19th C Pair French Louis XV Yellow Carved Giltwood Armchairs

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Pair of Late 19th-Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Armchairs (Bergères)
Immerse your space in the timeless elegance of Parisian … Read more Pair of Late 19th-Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Armchairs (Bergères)
Immerse your space in the timeless elegance of Parisian high society with this exceptional pair of late 19th-century French Louis XV style giltwood armchairs. Crafted during the height of the Napoleon III era, these exquisite salon chairs (fauteuils or wide bergères) effortlessly marry the romantic, fluid lines of the 18th-century Rococo movement with the rigorous craftsmanship of fine 19th-century cabinetmaking. They are a triumph of classical European design, bringing an air of palatial sophistication to modern and traditional interiors alike.

Masterful Rococo Woodcarving & Authentic Patina
Each armchair is individually hand-carved from choice solid beechwood, displaying an undulating, organic form that is remarkably graceful from every angle. The high, camelback backrests feature elegant, molded frames crowned by an intricately carved central cartouche of blooming floral bouquets and winding ribbons. This delicate botanical motif flows seamlessly down the serpentine arms (accotoirs), which are fitted with padded arm pads for added comfort.

The sweeping lines continue down to the pierced, curvilinear aprons, showcasing deep-relief carvings of central floral medallions flanked by delicate C-scrolls. The chairs are anchored by stunning cabriole legs that display beautifully carved knees and terminate in elegant, scrolled whorl feet. The giltwood finish boasts an incredible, rich depth; decades of gentle dusting have left a soft, authentic patina that reveals glimpses of the warm reddish-brown bole underlay beneath the gold leaf—a true hallmark of genuine antique water-gilding.

Unparalleled Versatility & Styling
Boasting generous, comfortable proportions, this pair serves as an ideal seating arrangement for an intimate living room conversation area, a grand entryway salon, or as stately accent chairs flanking a fireplace or console table. They are currently dressed in a clean, understated cream textile upholstery that beautifully highlights the warmth of the glowing gold frames. This sophisticated neutral palette allows them to be incorporated immediately into a room, though their structural integrity makes them prime candidates for custom reupholstery in a plush silk velvet, rich damask, or contemporary linen.

Key Specifications & Metadata for 1stdibs
Period: Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1890)

Place of Origin: France

Materials & Techniques: Hand-Carved Beechwood, Water-Gilding (Gold Leaf), Textile Upholstery

Style: Louis XV Revival / Rococo / Napoleon III

Dimensions: 44.25 inches high x 29 inches wide x 29.5 inches deep. Seat Height 18.5 inches See less