Pair Of Directoire-period Cabriolet Armchairs – 18th Century

An elegant pair of Directoire-period cabriolet armchairs, dating from the late 18th century, made of carved and painted wood.

The armchairs feature a slightly sloping rectangular backrest, framed by simple, molded side posts. The armrests, fitted with cuffs, rest on baluster-style supports and connect to the backrest with a particularly elegant curved line.

The slightly curved front rail rests on tapered legs. The connecting blocks are adorned with carved rosettes, while the front posts feature fluted decoration. The pieces as a whole reflect the neoclassical vocabulary characteristic of the Directoire period, which was still influenced by the Louis XVI style but already marked by a greater simplicity of lines.

The original paint, in a very soft gray-green hue, shows signs of wear, chips, and touch-ups that contribute to the piece’s character and occasionally reveal the underlying wood.

Both armchairs are upholstered in a blue-gray velvet with a striped pattern, accented with matching trim. This later upholstery complements the patina of the wood particularly well.

A decorative and well-balanced pair, whose proportions and color allow them to blend seamlessly into both a classic interior and a more contemporary setting.

Period: Directoire, late 18th century
Origin: France
Type: pair of cabriolet armchairs
Material: carved and painted wood
Decor: fluting, rosettes, tapered legs
Upholstery: striped blue-gray velvet, backrest upholstery
Condition: generally good condition considering the age; visible wear, chips, and paint damage consistent with the pair’s age.