Pair of Barcelona chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, 1960s.

Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in collaboration with Lilly Reich, the Barcelona chair remains one of the most iconic pieces of 20th-century design. Originally created in 1929 for the German pavilion at the Barcelona World Fair, it was intended to serve as a modern throne for the Spanish royalty. Its form, inspired by the "curule folding chairs" of ancient Rome, stands out with striking elegance due to its clean lines and balanced proportions. This pair, produced by Knoll International in the 1960s, reflects the reconfigured model introduced in the 1950s, transitioning from a two-part bolted structure to a single stainless steel frame, as illustrated here. The polished flat steel frame supports thick saddle leather straps and handmade upholstered leather cushions. This design exemplifies Mies van der Rohe's Bauhaus principle: "less is more," achieving luxury through precision. The Barcelona chair is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is regarded as a symbol of modernist sophistication. In addition to its historical significance, it also offers surprisingly high comfort due to carefully studied angles and padding. Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Manufacturer: Knoll Period: 1960s Dimensions: W 75 x D 77 x H 77 cm Condition: Very good and original with a beautiful overall patina.