Pair of Louis XVI period queen's armchairs, upholstered in their Beauvais tapestry.

These chairs perfectly illustrate the evolution of French taste in the final decades of the Ancien Régime. The tormented movements of the Louis XV style gave way to more ordered forms, inspired by Antiquity. The tapered, fluted legs, the connecting blocks carved with rosettes, the scrolled armrests, and the basket-handle arch of the upper rail are all fully characteristic of the Louis XVI decorative vocabulary.

The quality of these armchairs lies primarily in their design and proportions. The lines are simple, the carving discreet, but every detail is meticulously considered. The gradual widening of the seat towards the front, the connections between the armrests and the back, and the overall balance of the volumes all testify to particularly refined joinery. The backrest uprights are topped with carved acanthus leaf finials, while the moldings and fluting add a measured relief to the whole.

Crafted from walnut, these armchairs benefit from the qualities of this wood, prized by 18th-century cabinetmakers for its stability and the finesse with which it can be worked. Here, it allows for precise joinery and molding.

The decoration is primarily entrusted to Beauvais tapestry, preserved on the backs and seats. Composed of floral bouquets, draperies, ribbons, and lambrequins, it features motifs characteristic of the late 18th-century Neoclassical repertoire. The contrast between the simplicity of the woodwork and the rich decoration of the upholstery contributes significantly to the elegance of this pair.

The armchairs retain their original painted details and the checkered canvas on the reverse of the backs. The woodwork and tapestries are in excellent condition and retain their authentic character.

Dimensions:
Height: 93 cm
Width: 59 cm
Depth: 59 cm
Seat Height: 40 cm

Ref: 8SXJQA4A2X