"Retombante" Stool

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

ca. 1916–18 · Lacquered beech, silvered bronze, and modern upholstery · Modern and Contemporary Art

The model name refers to this stool’s unusual shape. Its minimal sloping back support—really just an extension of the unusually deep seat—gives the impression that anyone sitting too far back might easily fall off. The legs lend a somewhat anthropomorphic aspect to the piece, accentuated by the velvet upholstery imitating fur.

Artist

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Date

ca. 1916–18

Medium

Lacquered beech, silvered bronze, and modern upholstery

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chow, 1986