Louis XV Style Armchair with Viennese Caning in Walnut, 1900

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Walnut armchair with a seat and backrest in Viennese cane webbing, crafted in the Louis XV style, circa 1900. Despite … Read more Walnut armchair with a seat and backrest in Viennese cane webbing, crafted in the Louis XV style, circa 1900. Despite the carved rocaille finial, the design remains restrained, as the carving is limited to the finial and the center of the frame, and the curved frame contour is maintained as a continuous line. Historical context: Armchairs with open cane webbing are among the seating furniture that were widely revived in the late 19th century, employing the design language of the 18th century. The return to the Louis XV style reflected the historicist understanding of interior design among the bourgeoisie, who differentiated living spaces according to stylistic periods. Woven seats and backrests were preferred for drawing rooms, ladies' rooms, studies, and secondary rooms, as they appeared lighter and airier than upholstered versions and were also lighter. The serial production of such period furniture was made possible by specialized furniture workshops and machine-based preparatory work, while carving and caning remained done by hand. Features: The backrest is openly woven on both sides and also profiled on the back, so that the chair has a fully finished, visible surface from all sides. The frame features a three-dimensionally carved shell cartouche with scrolled volutes at the center of both the front and sides. Design: The design follows the Louis XV style in a historicist revival. The defining features are the curved cartouche shape of the backrest, the S-shaped legs with scrolled feet, and the continuously rounded frame contour. The ornamentation is applied selectively: rocaille with foliage on the crowning element, shell motifs on the frame and leg bases, and fluted armrest supports. The surfaces between the ornamented zones remain smooth, which ensures that the construction remains uncluttered despite its dynamic lines. Dimensions: Height 94 cm × Width 55 cm × Depth 46 cm, Seat height 47 cm. Material and condition: Solid and carved walnut; seat and backrest with Viennese cane webbing. Well-preserved, age-appropriate condition with visible patina. The webbing is intact, the seat shows discoloration and slight sagging due to use. There is a small chip in the wood at the base of the left front leg. Construction joints are visible in places on the backrest and frame. Inspected and cleaned by the castle custodian. See less