Set Of Six Lacquered And Gilded Wooden Armchairs With Tapestries Depicting Scenes—directoire Period, Circa 1795

An elegant and rare set of six Directoire-period armchairs, circa 1795–1799, made of molded, carved, and lacquered wood in a gray-green hue, accented with gilded details.

The armchairs feature slightly curved rectangular backs, framed by fine moldings. The armrests, fitted with cuffs, rest on turned baluster supports and terminate in rosette-carved finials. The connecting blocks are adorned with gilded lozenge motifs.

The slightly rounded front panels rest on tapered, ring-banded front legs, while the rear legs feature a gently curved line. The set perfectly exemplifies the neoclassical aesthetic of the Directoire period, characterized by sober, architectural, and balanced forms.

The six armchairs have retained remarkable original tapestry upholstery, secured with patinated brass tacks. Each backrest is adorned with a different pastoral scene, depicting young figures in rural landscapes, beneath drapery featuring festoons and tassels of trimmings. The seats feature a complementary design of animals, landscapes, and floral arrangements.

The delicately muted color palette blends shades of cream, dusty pink, blue, green, and ochre. It harmonizes beautifully with the patina of the lacquered wood and the gilded accents. The variety of scenes, while maintaining perfect decorative unity, lends this set a particularly charming character.

Beneath the bands is an old stenciled inventory mark “ FD”, as well as a red wax seal bearing a monogram, likely indicating that this set belonged to a former private collection or was part of a château’s furnishings. These ownership marks enhance the historical significance and coherence of the set.

This complete set of six armchairs, which has remained intact and retains its original figurative upholstery, is a fine example of late 18th-century ceremonial furniture

In good overall condition considering its age. The lacquer and gilded highlights show visible wear, chips, scuffs, and old repairs, with a few missing connecting rosettes. The upholstery has retained its charm and clarity, but shows discoloration, wear, fragility, and minor imperfections, particularly on certain armrests and borders. The upholstery tacks are original.

The signs of age contribute to the authenticity and beautiful patina of this set.

We have the two matching wingback chairs for sale in our gallery to complete a cohesive set of eight chairs.

Late 18th century.
Delivery in a wooden crate on a pallet via carrier (bulky packaging) to the ground floor in front of your home: 300 euros in France, 1,000 euros in the EU, and 3,000 euros for the rest of the world.