Pair Of Cane-seated Armchairs, Louis XV Period, Stamped “etienne Meunier,” 18th Century.

Pair of cane-seated armchairs, formerly lacquered, stamped “Etienne Meunier,” circa 1750, 18th
century, Paris.
Private collection.
In good condition.
Dimensions: H 93.5 cm x W 64.5 cm x D 51.5 cm.
We present this very beautiful and elegant pair of armchairs stamped “Etienne Meunier,”
carved with flowers, foliage, and acanthus leaves. 
The armrests follow a curve known as the “whip curve,” resting on four curved legs. The
flat backrests, meanwhile, are fluted.
History:
Etienne Meunier, the most renowned of the cabinetmakers bearing this name, brother of Antoine Meunier and, therefore,
uncle of Jean-Baptiste, was also active in the first half of the 18th century. His workshop on
Rue de Cléry is mentioned until 1770.
He supplied chairs to several merchants, including Pierre Migeon. Meunier specialized in the
manufacture of classic Louis XV office armchairs with a diamond-shaped base, a gondola-style backrest, and
a central front leg. He was most likely even one of the creators of this model, as
many examples upholstered in cane—sometimes covered in leather—bear his mark.
Etienne Meunier’s production was not limited to office chairs. His mark appears on beautiful Louis XV cabriolet or “à la reine” chairs, with their discreet curves and elegant lines. We
also know of chaise longues and daybeds with curved backs. The carving, though sparse,
often consists, at the center of the backrest and the belt, of a flower framed by a few
leaves. The lower crossbar of the backrest traces a slight curve.
Museums:
Paris, Museum of Decorative Arts
Paris, Jacquemart-André
Paris, Louvre
Strasbourg, Museum of Decorative Arts
Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum