GERRIT RIETVELD PROTOTYPE IN UNPAINTED PINE

This unpainted prototype follows the form of Gerrit Rietveld’s Red Blue Chair. It is built from standard-section lengths of pine. The rails and uprights cross one another and run past each joint, so every member reads as a separate line in space. They are fixed with wooden dowels, which show as pale dots across the seat and back. A single flat board forms the raked back, another forms the seat, and flat planks make the arms. Rietveld’s first version of 1918 was also left unpainted. The red, blue, yellow and black scheme the chair is known for came only around 1923. The pine has mellowed to a warm amber, with knots, softened edges and light wear on the arms and seat.

GERRIT RIETVELD
NETHERLANDS, 20C
23½" x 31" x 34½" 

WEAR CONSISTENT WITH AGE