With its innovative, diagonally reinforced leg construction, the design of this chair has been attributed to August Thonet (1829–1910), who is credited with developing new steam-bending machines for the firm. The No. 51 model was illustrated in Thonet’s 1886 catalogue as part of a series consisting of side chair, arm chair, and stool, the latter in two versions with circular and rectangular seats. The strictly rectilinear elements that decorate and support the seat back anticipate the geometric Secession style that emerged in Vienna around the turn of the century. After Michael Thonet’s death in 1871, the business was carried on by his sons, most notably by August.