Beautiful and important pair of transition Louis XV – Louis XVI period armchairs, circa 1770.

With a large, flat, medallion-shaped back that is topped with a carved motif of a ribbon tied in a bow. The arm rests curve gracefully forward to meet the seat rail at the knees. The front seat rail is decorated with a carved motif of connected olive branches. Frame molding decorated all around with an interlacing frieze motif. The chairs stand on square, stop-fluted legs.

Painted in gray with blue highlights.

Covered in 3-tone blue/silver/ivory silk by Prelle ‘Lampas de Chevres’ and trimming by Houlé.

Not signed, these chairs approach the work of Jean Baptiste Lelarge.

The underside of one bears a metal inventory tag with the number ‘0750’.

One of this pair of chairs is pictured in Bill G.B. Pallot’s ‘The Art of the Chair in 18th Century France’, page 188.

In good condition overall. Signs of old woodworm and restorations. Touch ups to the paint. These chairs have been professionally restored and are structurally solid.

Very special chairs. The carving is delicately executed and highly nuanced. This pair of chairs has lovely proportions and real presence.

Dimensions:
Height: 98 cm
Width: 63 cm
Depth: 54 cm