All Photos By Gail

This visually arresting, deep-teal hued Gothic sofa by Kimbel and Cabus (circa 1875) presents a paradox. The angled arms and legs meet to suggest adjustability or flexibility, but the strong mortise-and-tenon joints that secure the legs and rails render motion impossible.

By creatively inverting German architect Edwin poplar’s angled rear chair leg, the firm created a surprisingly forward-looking sofa design.

Photographed in the Brooklyn Museum as Part of the Exhibit Modern Gothic: The Inventive Furniture of Kimbel and Cabus, 1863–82, on View Through February 13th, 2022.