The armchair has a large flat back, open curved and padded armrests, a wide and comfortable seat and curved legs ending in scrolled toes. The frame displays simple moldings and a discreet use of carved flourishes. It is painted in brown with black highlights, and covered in a patterned green fabric.

The inside of the back seat rail bears the stamp N.Q. FOLIOT. Nicolas Quinibert Foliot received master in 1729.

French, Louis XV period, circa 1760.

In very good condition. Small losses and signs of wear as expected for its age. Newly upholstered.

This armchair is nearly identical to a pair of armchairs, also bearing the stamp N.Q. Foliot, that are currently in the Getty collection. The Getty chairs were originally part of a large suite of furniture that was supplied to the chateau of Versailles in 1762. The suite included 14 armchairs, 28 chairs, 9 sofas, and 7 screens. The Getty chairs also bear the inventory mark for the chateau of Fontainebleau, as they were moved there in 1786.

Reference: The Art of the Chair in Eighteenth Century France, Bill G.B. Pallot, pg. 284 (with picture).

This armchair shows understatement and subtlety deployed to great effect - the simplicity and restraint of the decoration allows one to fully appreciate the lovely form of the armchair. Less is more. Superbly elegant.

Dimensions:
Height: 95 cm
Width: 68 cm
Depth: 57 cm