“KS 47” Chair, 1934 Chrome-plated tubular steel, wood, original cotton show covers and under-upholstery Designer: E. Anton Lorenz Born: Budapest, Hungary 1891 Died: Greenwich, Connecticut 1964 Manufacturer: Thonet Brothers, Vienna, Austria (founded 1853) The “KS 47” Chair embraces a machine aesthetic that in almost every way is the precise opposite of the Horn Chair (seen nearby). Rather than orchestrate organic materials into a hand-made demonstration of man’s domination over nature, Anton Lorenz used a rational design process to produce an easily replicated, light-weight machined form that aimed to serve the needs of a mass market. In the aftermath of World War I, a number of art movements across Europe addressed widespread aspirations for a fresh, clean approach to modern living. Designers focused new attention on the home as a primary site where streamlined products could help promote sanitary and efficient lifestyles free of the trappings of earlier decades. Decorative Arts Acquisitions Endowment established by the Friends of the American Wing BMA 2003.134