Hans Wegner

Christie's New York, February 7-8, 2012, lot 643

Johan Møller Nielsen, Wegner: en dansk møbelkunstner, Copenhagen, 1965, p. 61
Grete Jalk, ed., Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar, vol 3: 1947-1956, Copenhagen, 1987, pp. 244-245, 324-325
Noritsugu Oda, Danish Chairs, Tokyo, 1996, p. 106
Christian Holmsted Olesen, Wegner: just one good chair, exh. cat., Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen, 2014, p. 107

Overall good condition consistent with age and gentle use. The wood legs present with minor surface scratches, nicks and some minor abrasions, consistent with age. The original upholstery is in clean condition, with a visibly repaired horizontal tear in the front edge of the seat (approximately 12 ½ inches in length and 1 to 1 ½ inch in width). The leather arm and headrest with a nice, natural patina as well as general signs of light wear and craquelure as occurs in this material over time. The chair is structurally sound and with a very faint movement to the front joints. With a dramatic silhouette and sculptural line, this form is a modulation on Wegner's 'Windsor' chair motif. The dynamic leather backrest is rich in patina and a pleasingly ergonomic feature that is complimented by turned, splayed feet.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The JH521 Easy Chair strikingly demonstrates Hans Wegner's characteristic evolution of a motif throughout his career. In adapting and modernizing the traditional English "Windsor Chair" form, Wegner utilized a graphic silhouette to create a harmonious, yet exceptionally dynamic form. The following two lots are second in a series of progressions on the "Windsor" theme.  Wegner first experimented with the design via a chair executed primarily in wood, maintaining the characteristic wedges of the back rest. This initial design, realized by Johannes Hansen and christened the "Peacock" by fellow designer Finn Juhl, was characterised by the clean, radiating lines of the back wedges, flatted at the shoulder blades for comfort, and subsequently illustrating a splayed, "peacock" form.  The offered JH521 chair is an additional modulation on this "Windsor"/"Peacock" motif as the vertical wedges are now replaced by an over-stuffed, fully upholstered back.  This pleasingly ergonomic feature is complimented by turned, splayed feet, ultimately creating a dynamic form, further accented by the sumptuous high-quality original leather accents. Produced in extremely limited numbers due to the complex design and expense of execution, the following two lots retain their original upholstery and leather, demonstrating not only the quality of craftsmanship produced by Johannes Hansen, but also the timelessness of this modern form.