Josef Hoffmann
Side Chair, Model No. 322
Estimate:
25,000 - 35,000 USD
Property from a Private Collection
Josef Hoffmann
Side Chair, Model No. 322
circa 1904
designed for the Dining Room of the Sanatorium of Purkersdorf, Austria
produced by J. & J. Kohn, Vienna
laminated and bent beechwood, vinyl upholstery
with remnants of the producer's paper label
38 7/8 x 17 1/2 x 17 in. (98.4 x 44.4 x 43.3 cm)
Overall in very good condition. The wooden surfaces appear to have been refinished at some point in the history of the piece and present with subtle variations in color ranging from russet brown to dark maroon which enhance the dynamic quality of the design. The wooden surfaces present with light surface scratches, scuffing, very minor indentations and shallow abrasions to the wood throughout consistent with gentle use. The edges of the seat with slightly more pronounced abrasions to the wooden surfaces. Occasional minute paint marks concentrated to the legs and not visually distracting. The wood presents with some very light stable crackling concentrated to the central element of the backrest and consistent with the natural evolution of the medium. The chair has been professionally reupholstered with a tawny brown vinyl fabric in excellent condition overall. The upholstery tacks, also replaced, are stable and present with light surface scratches throughout. A very handsome example of this iconic chair form.
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.
Josef Hoffmann: Architect and Designer, 1870-1956, Galerie Metropol, Vienna, 1981, pp. 19 and 22
Daniele Baroni and Antonia D'Auria, Josef Hoffmann e la Wiener Werstätte, Milan, 1981, pp. 59 and 99
Eduard F. Sekler, Josef Hoffmann, Vienna, 1982, p. 286
Werner J. Schweiger, Wiener Werkstätte: Design in Vienna, New York, 1984, pp. 49 and 153
Josef Hoffmann, 1870-1956: Ornament zwischen Hoffnung un Verbrechen, Vienna, 1987, p. 55
Derek Ostergaard, ed., Bent Wood and Metal Furniture 1850-1946, New York, 1987, p. 104
Christian Brandstätter, Design Der Wiener Werkstätte, 1903-1932, Vienna, 2003, pp. 122-124
Wendy Kaplan, The Arts & Crafts Movement in Europe & America: Design for the Modern World, New York, 2004, p. 131
An example of the model is in the collection of the Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Vienna, inventory. no. H 2189-1. The model is referenced in the museum archives of the Wiener Werkstätte, inventory no. WWF 102-87-1, which include a period photograph of the model in situ in the dining room of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium.