Antique French Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut Armchair, Chateau Scale, 1880

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Antique French Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut Armchair, Chateau Scale, 1880

About the Item

Be the first to see our new arrivals directly through 1stdibs! Please click follow dealer below. An impressive Louis XIV style carved walnut armchair from France circa 1880. Please look at the shape of the legs and the stretcher that joins them to see the distinctive square shape that is a hallmark of seating furniture developed during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). All four legs possess this unique shape that was used as these chairs were originally designed to be seen fully in the round from any direction. There is a stateliness and sculptural solidity to this chair that may be attributed to its scale and harmony of design motifs. The top of the chair has a slightly rounded arch that relates directly to the bold curve of the arms as they sweep away from the back to cascade forward. Both the inside and the outside of both arms are distinguished by the use of an indented line that emphasizes the shape of the scroll while the top of each arm features a carved acanthus leaf that wraps along the top surface at the front of each arm. Then please notice the carved motif at the front base of each arm and the top of each front leg to see how the repetition from the upper and lower sections increases the design continuity. All four of the legs have a tapered square column shape differentiated by the use of lobed moulding at the top and bottom. The outward sweep of the moulding adds a sense of breadth while the shape of the lobes keeps the eye moving across the legs. The base of each leg has a square section enhanced with a carved medallion on the front and outward facing side and this square section is what supports the elegant stretcher that joins the legs. Again please note how the curved shape of the stretcher relates to the curve of each arm. The stretcher is symmetrical in its balanced proportion and is centred on a circular medallion with a carved interior. It is important to remember that the use of carving upon the beautiful walnut was predicated on the amount of light originally available in the original interiors and how it came from a fire blazing in the hearth as well as a multitude of candles placed in sconces, sticks and chandeliers. The more light of course meant that lavish carving could be seen and admired as well as the richness of the fabric covering the frame. The fabric for the fresh upholstery on this chair is a stunning cut velvet in a reptile pattern by Gaston y Daniela the famous Spanish textile company. The strong contrast between the sumptuous colour and scale of the pattern is a handsome complement to this grand chair. We have chosen to add an additional trim detail of brass nail head in order to add to the overall sense of luxury.

Dimensions:
Height: 50 in (127 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Depth: 27 in (68.58 cm)
Style:
Louis XVI (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Walnut
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EEJ621stDibs: LU86689101013