Like a scientist, he observed the chair through the prism of its anatomy, considering it an extension of the human body: a structured organism composed of interdependent elements - structure, base, seat, backrest - interacting with one another. This analytical and sensitive approach fuelled his highly demanding approach to collecting, guided by curiosity, analysis and transmission.

From the earliest ancient civilisations to the rise of modern design, the chair has established itself as one of the most fundamental objects in the history of furniture. A symbol of power and status during the Baroque and Rococo periods, it underwent a decisive transformation at the end of the 19th century with industrialisation, the emergence of new materials and the invention of bentwood, pioneered in particular by Michael Thonet. The 20th century then marked the emergence of a modern language, where structure, surface and function became one, giving rise to iconic designs that continue to influence the way we live.

The Werner Löffler collection stands out for its scale and coherence. It brings together historical pieces, prototypes, experimental models and iconic design chairs, restored with extreme care to preserve their original condition. Each chair is considered a testament of its time, revealing technical advances, aesthetic choices and changes in lifestyles.

More than just a static collection, this series has always been conceived as a space for dialogue between eras, bringing together famous designs with lesser-known or unattributed models. It thus offers a veritable archaeology of seating, both cultural and technological.

The Chairs Anatomy auction presented by Artcurial on March 4th makes this remarkable collection accessible to a wide audience of collectors and enthusiasts, with deliberately affordable estimates ranging from €500 to €15,000, inviting everyone to acquire a piece of design history.