Pair Of Neoclassical Armchairs, 18th Century Period.

A rare pair of armchairs with medallion backs in carved elm wood, painted in yellow ochre, dating from the second half of the 18th century. The very finely carved decoration borrows directly from the vocabulary of Greco-Roman architecture, including a frieze of interlacing running around the edge of the back, rosettes on the connecting dice, projections in the belt, as well as finely treated florets. The general line and the ornamental repertoire bring these armchairs closer to the French productions of the Louis XVI period, which can be found both in Paris and in the provinces, notably in Lyon or Nîmes. However, several structural characteristics distinguish them: the front and back legs are positioned obliquely, and the armrest consoles adopt a curved shape finished with a very developed acanthus leaf. These details, unusual in France, rather evoke productions influenced by French taste but from peripheral European workshops. The use of elm, a wood species very rarely used in 18th-century French seating—where beech, walnut, or oak predominate—is an additional clue. Elm, however, is frequently found in Dutch, German, Flemish seating, and sometimes even in northern Italian productions from the same period. Several comparisons with elm furniture sold at Christie's and dating from the late 18th century (suites of Dutch chairs, Duchesse Brisée, painted or gilded elm armchairs) support this hypothesis. These pieces, often described as being of Dutch or German-Belgian origin, share with our armchairs a taste for neoclassical rigor combined with expressive and regional ornamental treatments. The wood, perfectly preserved, is period-correct and demonstrates high-quality workmanship. The pair has just been completely reupholstered with a designer fabric by Quenin – Lelièvre, Paris, with an Indian motif, which freshly highlights the decorative character of the model. A rare and refined ensemble, combining French elegance and European singularity, as interesting for the historian of taste as for the lover of characterful seats. Dimensions: Backrest height: 92cmSeat height: 44cmWidth: 61cmDepth: 55cm