This video preserves online a remarkable and emblematic pair of armchairs, circa 1780. While unusual, these lightheartedly neoclassical chairs demonstrate some of the most desirable design and decor qualities of Louis XVI period seating. The rarity if the design (herald or badge shaped back) and the uncanny completeness of the decor in terms of the sculpture, make this pair a certain general benchmark against which it would be curatorial useful to compare many other fine domestic chairs from the period.
The Louis XVI style was coveted by Thomas Jefferson, and it was part of the culture of fine early American interiors (especially founding fathers who worked closely with France to found the United States). Aside from Franco-American history, this style is renowned as the most elegant of the 18th century French decorative arts.
This pair of period chairs is attributed to Pierre Pillot (1748-1822).
Many thanks to all viewers and subscribers,
Cole
Myers and Monroe LLC
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