Armchair

Anonymous, for A. Lagerberg

Sweden, 1897

A remarkable allmoge inspired armchair that reflects the late 19th century revival of Swedish folk traditions championed by progressive makers such as A. Lagerberg. The chair embodies the period’s shift away from rigid historicism toward a more expressive, artisanal aesthetic shaped by early European Art Nouveau influences.

Crafted in richly stained wood, the piece features a high backrest crowned with an intricate, stylized foliate carving. This organic motif aligns closely with the Scandinavian interpretation of l’art nouveau. Turned spindles, sculpted arches, and hand painted accents in deep green and muted red highlight the handcrafted character associated with Sweden’s craft movement during the late 1800s.

Lagerberg’s atelier, later noted for its collaboration with Ellen Key on her program exhibitions at the Stockholm Workers’ Institute, played an important role in connecting vernacular tradition with emerging modern design ideals. This chair reflects that transitional moment. It remains rooted in rustic allmoge references while exploring the new decorative languages that were gaining ground across Europe in the 1890s.

The piece stands as a refined testament to the evolving Swedish design identity at the turn of the century, expressive and confidently crafted.

Presented at the Stockholm Exhibition of 1897.