Klismos chair

Neoclassical chair designed by Nicolai Abildgaard, who designed a number of items of furniture in connection with his renovation of the palace.

‘Klismos’ comes from the Greek klinein, which means ‘bend, lean’. Etymologically it is thus a recliner, though it is probably less comfortable than many modern recliners. This type of chair, with four curved legs and a broad, arched back is known from Greek vase paintings, and these undoubtedly served as a direct inspiration for Abildgaard. The klismos chair is regarded as one of Abildgaard’s most successful items of furniture, and chairs of this type gained a certain popularity following his example.