18th Century Louis XVI Walnut Armchair Attributed To Jean Nicolas Blanchard

This supremely comfortable antique French fauteuil is a wonderful example of the Louis XVI style, with its square, padded, slightly reclining back, fluted legs and open arms. Hand carved from walnut in the 18th century, the deep, rich finish of the wood is the perfect foil for the bright, crimson velvet upholstery and gold braid trim, which adds an extra luxurious feel to the seat, back and arm rests. The legs are tapering and fluted, each surmounted by a carved patera, and connected at the base by an 'H' stretcher, while the arms rest on scroll moulded supports, decorated with reeding. The chair is mounted on castors, for ease of movement. This chair is attributed  to Jean Nicolas Blanchard of Grenoble.

Jean Nicolas Blanchard comes from a family of seat carpenters. His father, Nicolas (Master in 1738) stamped “Blanchard” and designed Louis XV style seats with heavily sculpted rococo decorations. His older brother, Sylvain Nicolas (1725-1770) established himself at the “Chat Blanc” brand, rue de Cléry and created classic Louis XV seats.Upon his death in 1770, Jean Nicolas took over the fraternal workshop and became Court Supplier. He thus delivered furniture for the Count of Artois in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or for Mesdames, daughters of Louis XV in Bellevue. His works are renowned for being very sober and of high quality of execution.