Pair Of Empire Style Armchairs, France, Late 19th Century

Description

A pair of large French Empire-style armchairs, made in the late 19th century. Their sculpted silhouette faithfully reflects the neoclassical decorative style characteristic of Empire furniture, combining clean lines, generous proportions, and rich gilded bronze ornamentation.

The armchairs feature tall, slightly sloping backs, framed by a wooden structure with elegantly curved lines at the top. The upholstered armrests end at the front with particularly decorative straight posts. These are adorned with antique-inspired gilded bronze female busts, set beneath cylindrical finials decorated with shell motifs. Other gilt-bronze appliqués adorn the posts, the front crossbar, and the upper portion of the backrests. The decoration is complemented by plant motifs, palmettes, and classically inspired elements, while the front legs end in gilt-bronze claw-shaped feet.

The red tapestry, subtly enlivened by a geometric diamond pattern, highlights the contrast between the deep hue of the wood and the brilliance of the bronze accents. The wide seats, padded backrests, and generously upholstered armrests give the armchairs a comfortable and enveloping presence.

Technique and Materials

Carefully crafted and polished wooden frame, complemented by numerous decorative gilt-bronze appliqués. The metal elements feature finely detailed cast ornamentation. The armchairs have been completely reupholstered with new padding and covered in high-quality Italian fabric, chosen in a deep red shade with a subtle geometric pattern.

Date

France, late 19th century. The overall composition—the female busts, the palmettes, the symmetrical ornaments, and the legs with paw-shaped decorations—is directly in the tradition of Empire-style furniture, a style widely adopted in French workshops during the second half of the 19th century.

Condition

The armchairs have undergone professional restoration. The wood has been carefully refinished to restore its depth and luster. The gilded bronze elements were professionally cleaned using appropriate products, while fully preserving their original gilding. The padding was replaced, and the upholstery was completely renewed with high-quality Italian fabric. This work also significantly improved the seating comfort.

Use and Purpose

Thanks to their generous proportions and their soft, enveloping seats, these armchairs are equally suited to a classic living room or a contemporary interior seeking a piece with character. They can be arranged together as a decorative pair or used separately in a living room, library, or office.

Dimensions

height - 99 cm
width - 74 cm
depth - 74 cm
seat height - 45 cm