Pair of French Louis XVI Neoclassical Painted Wingback Armchairs ~ Bergeres

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Description

A pair of French Louis XVI painted bergeres in the wingback form, with a painted finish that has developed a … Read more A pair of French Louis XVI painted bergeres in the wingback form, with a painted finish that has developed a fine patina over the years. Each crest is carved with a cluster of flowers tied with a ribbon, the classic Louis XVI emblem of love and celebration. A carved ribbon molding outlines the backs and wings and continues around the arms and seat rails, giving the frames a crisp, architectural edge.
The arms rise from the seat rails and end in scrolled terminals with padded arm rests. Carved rosettes mark the corner blocks where the seat rails meet the legs, and the legs are fluted and tapered, finishing in turned feet. The frames are hand carved throughout, and the deep loose cushions make for very comfortable seating. The upholstery is in fair condition and serviceable as is, or ready for a fabric of your choosing.
The bergere first appeared in France in the 18th century as an enclosed armchair with upholstered sides and a loose cushion, designed for comfort and conversation. The wingback version, known in France as a bergere a oreilles, added side wings to shelter the sitter from drafts. Under the Louis XVI style, chair makers brought the lines of classical antiquity to French seating: straight fluted legs inspired by Greek and Roman columns, rosettes, ribbon moldings, and symmetrical carving. French workshops continued to build bergeres in this style through the 19th and into the 20th century, and a matched pair remains one of the most sought after forms in French seating.
Circa early 1900s
Each measures 40.5H x 26W x 27D; seats 21H
Available at Inessa Stewart's Antiques, Dallas Design District, Dallas, Texas. See less