19th Century Steel Armchair

19th century Steel Armchair.
Steel, brass, modern upholstery.
First half of the 19th century.
h. 35,4 in. ; w. 25,2 in. ; d. 27,55 in.

Armchair in polished steel and brass. The armchair’s back has a crosier finial, as do the armrests, resting on balusters ornated with chased brass waterleaves.

The delicacy of these motifs, typical of early 19th century metal furniture, is here matched with the roughness of pre-industrial craftsmanship. Hints of this craftmanship can be seen in the asymmetry of certain crosspieces as well as in the alea of certain welds.

Before Western industries were mechanised, this type of furniture was very difficult to craft. This is why it is so rare. And if the metal furniture of the Directoire, the Regency, the Empire : consoles, tripods, beds, even more rare are the armchairs of this type, originally designed for the gardens of stately estates or winter gardens.

Some signs of past restoration can be seen, as well as a few irregularities in the casting. Sold with a contemporary upholstery.

Sources

Georg Himmelheber, Cast-Iron Furniture and all other forms of iron furniture, London, 1996.

Alain Renner, Mobilier de métal de l’Ancien Régime à la Restauration, Saint-Rémy-en-l’Eau, 2009.