Pair of Louis XVI chairs with bow carving, walnut (389)

Height 100 cm, width 51 cm, seat depth 42 cm. Pair of Louis XVI chairs with bow carving — Walnut, second half of the 19th century
This elegant pair of chairs (Louis XVI chairs) is made in the Louis XVI style from walnut wood, in the second half of the 19th century. The rectangular backrest is adorned with a graceful carved bow (nœud de ruban) – one of the most characteristic Louis XVI motifs – while the side edges are framed by fluted columns with pinecone-shaped finials. Fluted, tapered legs, a pearl frieze, and corner rosettes create the pure, symmetrical silhouette of classicism. Terracotta-colored floral chenille fabric with stud trim adds a warm, decorative character to the pair. Period of manufacture
Chairs made in the Louis XVI style – a direction of classicism that, at the end of the 18th century, returned to antique symmetry along Rococo lines, with straight fluted legs and calm, ordered forms. The bow, pearl strings, and roses are precisely the ornamental features of this style. Here, the style is revived in a quality walnut finish from the second half of the 19th century, characteristic of the finest salon and dining room furniture. Manufacturer
Chairs made in a European workshop specializing in the production of Louis XVI style salon and dining room furniture. The precision in the bow carving and pearl frieze testifies to the craftsman’s meticulous work. Rarity and Significance
Surviving Louis XVI chairs in pairs, with matching carvings and upholstery, are popular for both dining rooms and living rooms. A pair is more valuable than a single chair, but both are also available separately. Application
The chairs are an elegant accent in a classic or romantic interior – at a dining table, desk, or as a freestanding decorative element. The warm tones of walnut and the floral fabric create a photogenic composition in interior and object photographs. Condition
Chairs are well-preserved relative to their age; the walnut and carvings have a characteristic patina. The upholstery may show minor signs of age and wear. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs. Epochal moment: Composer Christoph Willibald Gluck looked up from the notes and momentarily turned to the silence that fell between two chords. The candlelight flickered slightly, and in its light, a slender form stood out against the wall – straight lines, gently tied contours at the top, almost like a line on the edge of a musical score. His fingers were still on the keys, but his thoughts were already drifting over the calm, balanced silhouette, which seemed to be outlined with the same harmony as the music he was seeking. At this moment between sound and sound, the composer felt satisfied with a form in which nothing was superfluous.