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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Set of Four French Directoire Period Carved Wood Side Chairs, Circa 1795
A handsome set of four French Directoire period side chairs, circa late 18th to early 19th century, displaying the restrained Neoclassical vocabulary characteristic of the years following the French Revolution. Each chair features a gently curved rectangular back centered by a finely carved and pierced palmette or anthemion-form splat within an oval reserve, beneath a shaped crest rail with delicate incised foliate decoration. The upholstered seats are raised on slender turned and tapering front legs, with gently sabered rear legs, while carved floral paterae ornament the corners of the seat rails. The balanced proportions, archaeological ornament, and stylized classical motifs are characteristic of French Directoire design, bridging the Louis XVI and Empire periods.
The chairs have been stripped of their former painted finish, revealing the warm natural color and grain of the underlying wood and traces of their age and earlier surface treatment. The existing upholstery appears to be an older neutral-toned fabric secured with nailhead trim and shows wear, loose threads, and distress consistent with age and use; reupholstery may be desired. The exposed wood similarly retains variations in color, abrasions, and other evidence of its history.
Dimensions: 18" L x 21" W x 34.5" H
Seat Height: 17"