Chair #22

ST. SIMONE CHAIR

—Designed by Victoria Hagen

I covet this chair. Although it looks like an antique it's actually designed by an incredibly talented contemporary New York designer. This chair has gilded wooden trim and black fabric. It reminds me of something Josephine would be siting in while reading one of Napolean's love letters to her.

Josephine,

I wake filled with thoughts of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating evening which we spent yesterday have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart!... My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for your lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah!... You are leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours. Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.

          

        — Bonaparte

+ + + 

"I use this chair as an accent... Elegant and whimsical at the same time... I often place it as one would sculptural against a blank wall of beneath a large mirror."

           

                             —Victoria Hagen