Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen.

ARNE JACOBSEN (Denmark, 1902–1971) for Fritz Hansen.
Side table, 1990.
Wood and metal tabletop.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
With label.
Measurements: 70 x 120 x 80 cm.
This table was designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chrome legs are called “Span Legs.” With its remarkable simplicity and purity, this table is one of the most iconic examples of Danish design, thanks precisely to its legs—composed of three chrome-plated metal beams that converge at a rectangular base.
Arne Jacobsen (architect and designer) studied for four years at the Copenhagen School of Construction before enrolling in the Faculty of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Among his most notable architectural works are St. Catherine’s College in Oxford, the SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, the headquarters of the National Bank of Denmark in the same city, and the Royal Danish Embassy in London. As a designer, he created furniture that has become iconic, including the “Ant” chair (1951) and the “Swan” and “Egg” chairs designed for the SAS Hotel. He is also known for his 1955 Model 3107 chair, also called the “Chair No. 7,” of which more than five million were sold; it appears alongside Christine Keeler in Lewis Morley’s iconic photograph. Another of his contributions to popular culture in the media is his designer cutlery set, featuring spoons for both hands, which was chosen for the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” because of its futuristic appearance. The key to the success of Jacobsen’s work lies in its elegant and minimalist design, and today his pieces can be found in collections such as those at the Victoria & Albert Museum.