Pair Of Directoire-period Wingback Chairs In Lacquered And Gilded Wood, Upholstered With Pastoral Scenes

An elegant pair of Directoire-period bergère chairs, circa 1795–1799, made of molded, carved, and lacquered wood in a gray-green hue, accented with gold highlights.

Comfortably proportioned, they feature tall, slightly curved backs, extended by fully upholstered side panels. The armrests with cuffs rest on turned baluster supports, finished with carved and gilded finials. The connecting blocks are adorned with geometric motifs and rosettes.

The rounded aprons on the front rest on tapered, ring-banded front legs, while the rear legs are slightly angled. The architectural simplicity of the lines, combined with the geometric ornamentation and tapered legs, is characteristic of the Neoclassical aesthetic of the Directoire period.

Both bergère chairs have retained their original tapestry upholstery, secured by a row of patinated brass tacks. The backs feature two different pastoral scenes, depicting young figures in rural landscapes, beneath drapery with festoons and tassels of trimmings. The armrests, cuffs, crossbars, and removable cushions are adorned with floral compositions, garlands, animals, and landscapes.

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.

These bergère chairs match, in design, decoration, and upholstery, the set of six Directoire-period armchairs presented separately. Unlike those armchairs, however, they bear no inventory marks or visible wax seals beneath the belt moldings.

The set constitutes a remarkable late 18th-century parlor furniture ensemble, particularly appealing for the richness and variety of its figurative scenes.

Condition reflects the age of the set. The lacquer and gilded highlights show signs of wear, scuffing, chips, and previous repairs. The tapestries have a heavy patina and exhibit discoloration, wear, fragility, repairs, and minor imperfections, particularly visible on the cushions and certain cuffs.

The original upholstery has been preserved; the straps and canvas visible beneath the seats indicate past repairs. A reupholstering may be considered depending on the intended use, while retaining the original tapestries.

We have the 6 matching armchairs for sale in our gallery to form a cohesive set of 8 chairs.

Date: late 18th century.
Deliveryin a wooden crate on a pallet via a 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.