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Pair of Antique 17th-Century French Chairs--Simple, functional beauty, Louis XIV

About the Item

Three hundred years of history, rich wood, simple beauty, and rare transitional form! This is a near pair of early French chairs. They are dated circa 1690; imagine more than 300 years of history! They are made of two prized hardwoods--walnut and oak. The chairs are a rich, dark chocolate color with a wonderful patina. The chairs are similar in size, color, and construction, but they are not perfectly matched pairs. The chairs have a simple, utilitarian beauty. Their open backrests have small curves decorating the top rail. The front legs and front crossbars have easy turnings. The legs are reinforced with classic H-stretchers. There are simple cylindrical feet in front and block feet in back. They are of the period and representative of an early, rustic, provincial Louis XIV style. Each chair includes a custom hand-tied cushion made from a Scalamandre textile. The design features deep foliage in faded greens, yellows, and browns, with a few red speckles. The fabric is contemporary yet finished to look wonderfully old, faded, and worn. The chair's historical interest will inspire the collector in you. Early on, most people sat on stools. During the 1600s, chairs--an innovation at the time--became popular. Early chairs were often backstools--more stools with backrests than our modern seats. This pair captures this unique moment of the evolution from stool to chair. The chairs are smaller in size. Their backs are about 32 and 1/2 inches tall, and their seats are about 15 and 1/2 inches high. They are bigger than a child's chair but smaller than a dining chair. The size is part of the historical context. For sure, people were smaller back in the 17th century—maybe 6 inches shorter or more on average. Most importantly, the small size meant these rare, highly valued items could be easily carried where needed—to a guest relaxing, a servant doing light chores, or a devotee praying. (Before we purchased these chairs, they had been in a family chapel at a manor house in the South of France for 100+ years.) Today, you might use these chairs to provide a striking contrast with the rest of your home. The smaller size means they might accessorize your living room, study, hallway, or nook. As the chairs come as a pair, you might sit on them around a fireplace, use them to bookend a side table, or corner them around a coffee table. Wherever placed, these chairs communicate a beauty that's timeless, simple, and functional. Email us to learn more about and to view more pictures of this pair of antique 17th-century French chairs.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Seat Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Louis XIV (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Oak,Walnut
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    17th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1690
  • Condition:
    Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs are in very good condition, given their age. The back leg of the chair pictured on the right was broken, repaired long ago, and sits well today.
  • Seller Location:
    Saint Helena, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: II-04-2511stDibs: LU10087243302252

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