WALNUT WOOD

A Pair of 19th C. Armchairs Upholstered in Needlepoint; Age:  Late 1800’s

This beautiful pair of armchairs, made of European walnut wood, has intricately hand carved lions’ heads with manes and near the back of the arms there is acanthus leaf ornamentation.  The terminals have a scale design and end in volutes.  They have been upholstered in needlepoint in different patterns but with the same background color. The bronze nail heads attaching the needlepoint are in a stylized egg and dart motif. The feet are lions’ paws and the stretchers are H shapes with frontal ornamentation of facing volutes and stylized petal rosettes.

During the period of Louis XIV, armchairs became much more comfortable, with luxuriously padded upholstery and cushions.  Seats became wider to accommodate the fashion of the time, and during the latter portion of his reign, the back had an angle, allowing for the user to be seated for longer periods of time.  There was, however, a strict hierarchy in seating at court.  Only particularly honored guests were allowed to sit in armchairs and, only titled nobility could sit on cushions, known as carreaux.

This pair, from the late 1800’s can be used at either end of a dining table or anywhere comfortable armchairs are needed.

Condition:  Minor holes in needlepoint; minor rubs to wood