Pair of 19th Century French Transitional Louis Xv–xvi Style Water-Gilded Side Chairs

Details

Description

A rare and striking pair of 19th century French side chairs in the Transitional Louis XV–XVI manner, notable for their … Read more A rare and striking pair of 19th century French side chairs in the Transitional Louis XV–XVI manner, notable for their distinctively unusual back design — a broad, sculptural shield shape that blends the organic curves of Rococo with early Neoclassical restraint. This specific back form is exceptionally difficult to find a duplicate of, suggesting a regional maker or custom commission rather than a standard pattern-book design.

The carved crest rail features a central draped swag motif flanked by outward-curling volute scrolls — a refined decorative touch that elevates these beyond typical parlor chairs of the period. The shaped seat rail shows Greek key carving detail, and the elegant cabriole legs terminate in scroll feet. Both chairs retain their cream floral damask upholstery on both the back panel and generous seat cushion.

(Traditional water gilding over Armenian bole — where the gilt has worn, the characteristic red-orange bole layer is clearly visible beneath. This confirms these chairs were finished using the same high-quality technique as the finest 18th century French workshop pieces: multiple layers of red clay bole applied over beech, burnished smooth, then gilded with gold leaf and hand-burnished to a high shine. This is a significantly more skilled and costly process than the oil gilding found on lower-quality reproductions. The intact bole base means professional regilt restoration is entirely feasible.)

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (each)
20"W × 35"H × 23.5"D
Style
French Transitional Louis XV–XVI
Period
19th Century (circa 1850–1890)
Origin
France / Southern European
Frame material
Mahogany
Finish
Traditional water gilding over Armenian bole
Upholstery
Cream floral damask See less