Set of Eight Louis XV Fauteuils, giltwood with detachable cartouche-shaped backs, upholstered arm-rests and serpentine drop-in seats. Backs with broad molded frames edged with scrolls interrupted by foliate sprays and centered by cabochon and cartouche crestings with outscrolled arm-supports, waved seat-rails of undulating outline centered by trefoil cabochon cartouche clasps on molded cabriole legs headed by similar clasps. four stamped I. Lebas. Six are coveredin polychrome gilt ground floral brocade and two are covered in dark green floral patterned velvet.

Armchair, one of eight, c. 1756

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Gilt wood with upholsteryexpand_more

Gift of the Groves Foundationexpand_more  83.118.2a-e

Not on Viewexpand_more

This armchair and seven similar examples were given to the Institute by Carolyn and Franklin Groves and The Groves Foundation as furnishings for the Grand Salon from the Hôtel Gaillard de La Bouëxière. The 1738 and 1759 inventories for the grand salon reveal that the room was predominantly furnished with nine armchairs upholstered in Gobelins tapestry with scenes of fabled animals, similar to the upholstery on view here. The armchairs will be installed in the Grand Salon following restoration of their upholstery.

The sinuous C- and S-curve shapes of the chair's arms and legs, juxtaposed by shells, scrolls, and cabochon motifs, reflects a restrained version of the rococo style that was popular in France during the mid-18th century.

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Details
Title
Armchair, one of eight
Role
Maker
Accession Number
83.118.2a-e
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Set of Eight Louis XV Fauteuils, giltwood with detachable cartouche-shaped backs, upholstered arm-rests and serpentine drop-in seats. Backs with broad molded frames edged with scrolls interrupted by foliate sprays and centered by cabochon and cartouche crestings with outscrolled arm-supports, waved seat-rails of undulating outline centered by trefoil cabochon cartouche clasps on molded cabriole legs headed by similar clasps. four stamped I. Lebas. Six are coveredin polychrome gilt ground floral brocade and two are covered in dark green floral patterned velvet.