Claude Séné: Louis XVI-era Living Room Furniture, Stamped Armchairs And Cabriolet Chairs

Living room or bedroom furniture consisting of a matching pair of armchairs and a pair of chairs. Cabriolet-style design in finely molded and carved wood, with a “gendarme’s hat” backrest and fluted, rudenté legs. Upholstered in a printed canvas from Nantes featuring “The Chariot of Dawn.” Stamped by Claude I Séné, Louis XVI period, circa 1775–1780.

Claude Séné—Claude I Séné, son of Jean Séné, received his master’s certificate in 1743. Established on Rue de Cléry under the sign “du Grand Saint-Georges,” hewas the father of Jean-Baptiste-Claude Séné, considered the greatest French chairmaker of the Louis XVI reign. Claude I Séné trained his son and left behind some very beautiful Louis XV chairs—comfortable and elegant, often mounted on a frame. In contrast, very few Louis XVI chairs have survived. Claude Séné ceased practicing his craft in 1780. Our chairs are therefore a very rare example of his late-career work, typical of the “return to antiquity” style of the years 1775–1780.

One can recognize the hallmarks of a master chairmaker:perfect proportions, flawless craftsmanship with meticulous details—such as the rosettes on the connecting blocks, which are very finely carved, giving these chairs a unique and extremely elegant silhouette. 
Seats for connoisseurs: though understated in appearance, our seats are designed and crafted to the exacting standards of one of the greatest 18th-century Parisian chairmakers. A side-by-side comparison with other basket-handle cabriolets of ordinary quality leaves no room for doubt.

Our seats are upholstered in a beautiful canvas printed with the Chariot of Aurora, a replica of the canvas by Beautiran from the late18th century, or from Nantes, circa 1785. Inspired by the painting byGuido Reni, Eos, goddess of the Dawn, drives a chariot pulled by twohorses; Daphne transforms into a laurel tree; and Pegasus takes flightfrom a rock where the Temple of Music stands. Our upholsterer has crafted high-quality finishes with coordinating cords and braids.

Excellent condition, fully restored. Solid wood frame in very good condition (re-lacquered), new fabric (Charles Burger), upholstery completely redone with horsehair on straps and springs, featuring a paneled backrest.

A beautiful set, very elegant for a Maison des Champs.

Backrest height: 91 cm
Seat height: 42 cm
Width: 61 cm