Regency-style queen's armchair in carved walnut – circa 1900.

A Regency-style queen’s armchair in molded and carved walnut, made in the late 19th or early 20th century, based on French models from the first third of the 18th century, circa 1725–1735.
This armchair reflects the characteristics of Regency-era seating, a period during which the forms inherited from the reign of Louis XIV gradually evolved toward greater flexibility and comfort.
It features a flat, slightly sloped high backrest, the upper crossbar of which is entirely covered by upholstery on its front face. This design, inherited from late 17th-century chairs, is still found on certain Regency armchairs. The back reveals the walnut side posts and the slightly curved upper crossbar.
The armchair rests on four curved legs ending in scrolls. The front legs are carved with cascading foliage and plant motifs, extending from where they join the apron down to their lower sections. The rear legs, which are more understated, extend from the backrest posts.
The ornate belt features a stylized central shell on the front, accompanied by scrollwork, volutes, and foliage. The side rails are also scalloped and carved.
The armrests with cuffs rest on recessed, strongly curved consoles adorned with carved foliage. Their ends feature scrollwork and plant motifs. This design reflects a characteristic development in early 18th-century chairmaking.
The frame was crafted from reclaimed antique walnut using traditional chair-making techniques, with mortise-and-tenon joints secured by wooden dowels.
Particular care was taken during the manufacturing process to reproduce the appearance of an 18th-century chair, both in the design of the carvings and in the treatment of the surfaces, the patina, and the marks left by hand tools.
Examination of the hidden parts reveals, in particular, old worm galleries that were cut through during the shaping of the wood, attesting to the use of materials that were already old at the time of its manufacture.
It is thus a beautifully crafted antique replica, made around 1900 in the style of Regency armchairs from the first third of the 18th century.
The upholstery was redone about ten years ago and, on that occasion, covered with high-quality golden-yellow and ivory damask featuring large floral and foliage motifs. The weave alternates between matte and satin finishes, highlighting the decorative pattern.
The finish is accented by rounded-head upholstery tacks with a patinated bronze finish. The reverse side of the backrest is lined with a matching small-check fabric.
The damask shows some minor signs of wear, particularly on the armrests and backrest.
The walnut retains an antique brown patina that highlights the reliefs of the carving.
Dated to the late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1900.
Comparative bibliography:
Guillaume Janneau, *Le Mobilier français – Les Sièges*, Éditions Jacques Fréal, pp. 54–63, particularly the illustrations devoted to armchairs and carved legs from the years 1725–1735.
Pierre Kjellberg, *French and European Furniture, from the Middle Ages to the Present Day*, Éditions de l’Amateur, pp. 125–129, on the evolution of Regency chairs, set-back armrests, and carved decoration.
These references pertain to the 18th-century historical models that inspired this armchair.
Dimensions:
Total height: 96.5 cm
Seat height: 43 cm
Width: 72 cm
Depth: 75 cm

Ref: NNJG2QQY2O