Gerrit Rietveld Dutch, 1888 - 1964 G. A. van de Groenekan, fabricator (Holland) Red-Blue chair, c. 1974 (original design, 1917-1918) H. 40 x W. 20 1/2 x D. 27 in.

Probably Gerrit Rietveld’s most famous creation, this chair was originally designed between 1917 and 1918 and went through several phases--both painted and unpainted, and with and without side panels. Considered the three-dimensional equivalent of abstract paintings by Piet Mondrian, the chair is remarkably cerebral yet surprisingly functional. Today, this chair is regarded as the supreme icon of modernity.