Pair Of Louis XVI Chairs Stamped Jean Avisse With Openwork Backs In Stylized Palmette

Pair of Louis XVI chairs stamped Jean Avisse with openwork backs in stylized palmette, circa 1780. Rare and interesting pair of chairs in carved and lacquered beech, stamped J. AVISSE for Jean Avisse, master carpenter in Paris received in 1745, a major figure in Parisian carpentry of the 18th century. This model, with an openwork back in the shape of a racket, is of a type currently unknown on the market: no other similar example stamped by Avisse is listed in public or private collections. One of the two chairs bears next to the Avisse stamp an unidentified wax seal, which may correspond to an old collection inventory. The backrest, in the shape of a racket, adopts a stylized seven-leaf palmette motif. This decoration is related to the ancient palmette motifs found in classical architecture, notably on Ionic friezes such as that of the Erechtheum in Athens. The vertical bars are finely carved with water leaves and punctuate the composition. The molding of the backrest exactly follows that of the seat belt, highlighting a rare aesthetic consistency in the treatment of volumes. The horseshoe-shaped seat is mounted on tapered legs with rings and fluting, punctuated at the belt with dice adorned with finely carved rosettes for the front legs and pyramids or diamond points for the back legs. The fabric is an elegant Églantine model from the Quenin house, edited by Lelièvre, with a floral motif in the spirit of 18th-century Indian fabrics, perfectly in harmony with the style of these seats. Each chair is stamped J. AVISSE. Received master in 1745, Jean Avisse is among the most renowned Parisian carpenters of the 18th century. He is mainly known for his production of Louis XV and transitional chairs. This pair, with its pure neoclassical decoration, demonstrates his brilliant adaptation to the tastes of the reign of Louis XVI. No other identical examples stamped Avisse are currently known, either in public collections or in sales databases. Comparisons and references A similar model (not stamped) is held at the Mobilier National, under the number MNT2016-109-000, with an openwork backrest in the shape of a racket with a stylized palmette. Other similar models: Jean-Baptiste II Lelarge, pair of armchairs with openwork backrest, Louvre Museum, Department of Decorative Arts. Henri Jacob, chair with openwork backrest, Piasa Paris, 2023, sold for €3,390 (including fees). Dimensions Total height: 83.5 cm Seat height: 41 cm Width: 44 cm Depth: 46 cm Condition Very good original condition. No joints, no major structural restoration. Well-preserved old patina. Clear stamps. Upholstery redone with a high-end fabric from Lelièvre – Quenin.