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Settee
Sam Maloof (American, 1916–2009)
1975
Object Place: Alta Loma, California, United States
Medium/Technique
Walnut
Dimensions
Overall: 77.2 × 107.8 × 59.7 cm (30 3/8 × 42 7/16 × 23 1/2 in.)
Other (Seat height): 40.6 cm (16 in.)
Other (Seat height): 40.6 cm (16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchased through funds donated by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Gillette Corporation
Accession Number1976.113
CollectionsContemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsFurniture – Seating and beds
California-based maker Sam Maloof was a revered craftsman who was one of the pioneers of the 1970s West Coast “round-over” wood style that created biomorphic, ergonomic, and expressive furniture. This bench is one of twelve pieces of furniture commissioned from Maloof for the MFA's Please Be Seated program within its first year of operation in 1976. In a 1981 visit to the Museum, the artist left care instructions for his works on record: "before oiling wash with mild soap and water to remove dirt.”
DescriptionSettee w/ double breasted seat. Squared back stiles w/ round corners sweep back towards feet and crest, flush w/ top of stiles, curves down from center and up at stiles. Crest has rounded back. Sculpted arms angled outward, begin below the crest and project beyond the round and tapered front legs; arms terminate in point.
InscriptionsInscribed (scratched/burned in) on underside of seat: "M O F A BOSTON / Sam Maloof 1975 f.A.C.C. / NO. 80"
Provenance1975, commissioned from the artist for the MFA's Please Be Seated program. (Accession date: April 14, 1976)
CopyrightReproduced with permission.