Based on what I read from the sign next to the chair: This chair goes back to early years of twentieth century where artists were experimenting with new forms and shapes. In this piece Rietveld is using primary colors to emphasize the relationship between horizontal, vertical and diagonal planes. Based on MoMa's explanation : "He believed there was a greater goal for the furniture designer than just physical comfort:the well-being of the spirit." It is interesting that I found the chair under both MoMa and the High's collection. I am assuming it used to be MoMa's but being bought by The High. I Couldn't find anything to proof this.
De Stijl is a fascinating movement that coincided with another industrial design oriented movement, Constructivism in soviet union. When De Stijl artists or any european artists before WWII talk about spiritual comfort or improvement through art, they are not saying in today's people's sense that "good art can make people happy" but in more mystical or even occult way of healing people's spirit by providing transcendental experience. This mystical belief seems to continue until the end of Color Field era.
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