19th-Century French Louis XVI-Style Fauteuil Chairs

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Offering a portal to the neoclassical splendor of pre-revolutionary France, this is a magnificent pair of 19th-century French Fauteuil chairs … Read more Offering a portal to the neoclassical splendor of pre-revolutionary France, this is a magnificent pair of 19th-century French Fauteuil chairs in the celebrated Louis XVI style.
The Louis XVI period (c. 1774-1793) marked a dramatic shift from the curvaceous Rococo to a return of straight lines, symmetry, and classical motifs inspired by the rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The chairs feature a hand-carved walnut frame with an elegant oval backrest, finely reeded legs, and a gracefully curved apron. Their exceptional value is significantly heightened by the presence of the original figural needlepoint upholstery, which remains in remarkable condition.

The tapestry depicts an idyllic pastoral scene on the backrest and a complementary floral pattern on the seat, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the period. Known as fauteuils (open-arm chairs), they were designed for both comfort and grandeur in formal salons. This pair represents a piece of French decorative art with unparalleled authenticity. See less