Pair of 19th Century French Gothic Revival Hand Carved Oak Caquetoire Armchairs

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A pair of 19th century French Gothic Revival caquetoire armchairs, hand carved in oak and still together as a pair … Read more A pair of 19th century French Gothic Revival caquetoire armchairs, hand carved in oak and still together as a pair after more than a century. Each tall back rises like a cathedral facade. A pointed arch filled with tracery is crowned by a carved fleuron finial and flanked by two pinnacles. Below, a tall back panel shows flamboyant Gothic tracery around a carved shield, the kind of ornament once reserved for choir stalls and chapel screens. Carved stiles frame each panel, and the oak has darkened over time to a deep, rich patina.
The caquetoire takes its name from the French word for chatter. These were conversation chairs, with a seat that widens toward the front and arms that open outward to welcome the sitter. Turned columnar supports hold the shaped arms. The solid oak plank seats rest on turned legs with ring details, joined by stretchers close to the floor and finished with turned bun feet. The frames are built with traditional mortise and tenon joinery, and the chairs are sturdy and ready for daily use.
The Gothic Revival was part of the great 19th century revival of French styles, when cabinetmakers looked back to the cathedrals and abbeys of medieval France and translated pointed arches, tracery and spires into furniture. Chairs like these most often furnished the libraries of fine French homes, among shelves of leather bound books and dark carved paneling. Architectural yet elegant, the pair carries that scholarly grandeur with a strong, sculptural presence.
Circa 1880
Each measures 52H x 23.5W x 17D; seats 19H
Available at Inessa Stewart's Antiques, Dallas Design District, Dallas, Texas. See less