Suite of Four Model No. 511 Chairs and Two Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet

Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) for Thonet
Suite of Four Model No. 511 Chairs and Two Armchairs
Austria, circa 1907–1910

Designed by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet in the early twentieth century, the Model No. 511 chairs perfectly embody the refined aesthetics of the Vienna Secession while showcasing Thonet’s unrivalled mastery of bentwood furniture production.

The backrest, distinguished by its slender vertical slats framed by three circular perforations, reflects Hoffmann’s characteristic geometric vocabulary. Striking in its restraint, the composition achieves a remarkable sense of visual lightness while retaining exceptional structural integrity.

Crafted in stained bent beechwood with their original shaped solid wooden seats, this suite highlights the purity of Hoffmann’s design while showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship that made Thonet a pioneer of modern furniture. The sculpted wooden seats reinforce the architectural character of the ensemble while beautifully complementing the fluid curves of the bentwood frame. Their elegant, understated design anticipated the functional principles that would define twentieth-century design.

More than a century after their creation, Model No. 511 remains one of Josef Hoffmann’s most celebrated furniture designs. It stands as a landmark of Austrian decorative arts and is among the most sought-after models resulting from the collaboration between the architect and Thonet.

Comprising four side chairs and two armchairs, this particularly harmonious suite offers an elegant rhythm of forms while enhancing the architectural sophistication of Hoffmann’s original design.