Pierre Paulin easy chair

This easy chair, model F-444, was designed by Pierre Paulin and produced by the Dutch manufacturer Artifort in 1962. It exemplifies Paulin’s modernist approach to seating, where form and function are combined with a sculptural sensibility. The chair is constructed with a bent tubular steel frame, giving it both stability and a visual lightness, while the sling seat is made from cognac-colored saddle leather. The leather is stretched across the steel structure to create a suspended seating surface that adapts to the body, reflecting Paulin’s focus on comfort through innovative construction methods.

The overall form of the chair is angular yet fluid, with the leather seat cut and stitched in a way that allows it to fold and curve naturally, producing a hammock-like effect. The cognac leather has developed a rich patina over time, showing signs of age and use that contribute to its authenticity and historical character. The visible wear is consistent with vintage condition and emphasizes the natural qualities of the leather, which was intended to age gracefully. The steel frame retains its original finish, displaying minor marks typical of use, yet remains structurally sound.

Pierre Paulin, one of the most influential French designers of the mid-20th century, was known for his experimental forms and innovative use of materials. His collaboration with Artifort began in the late 1950s and was central to the company’s identity, as his designs introduced a new sculptural vocabulary to postwar European furniture. Artifort itself, founded in the Netherlands in 1890, became a leading manufacturer of modern furniture, recognized internationally for its collaborations with designers like Paulin, Geoffrey Harcourt, and Kho Liang Ie.

The F-444 belongs to the early period of Paulin’s work for Artifort and reflects the mid-century modern emphasis on minimalist forms, functionalism, and honest materials. The combination of steel and natural leather creates a contrast between industrial precision and organic warmth, which has made this model a notable example of Scandinavian-influenced Dutch modernism.

Dimensions: width 82 cm (32.3 in), depth 70 cm (27.6 in), height 97 cm (38.2 in), seat height 38 cm (15 in).