Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Bergère Armchair With Modern Fabrics

Description

This early 19th Century French Louis XVI walnut Bergère armchair is versatile, classic, and comfortable. It was a chair designed … more This early 19th Century French Louis XVI walnut Bergère armchair is versatile, classic, and comfortable. It was a chair designed in the Louis XVI style. During the second half of the 18th century, French furniture underwent a neoclassical revision away from the twirled, freehand designs of Rococo and included references to classical Greek culture. This chair exemplifies the birth of French Neoclassicism. The frame has been intricately carved with acanthus leaves and bundles of flowers. The straight-turned chair legs have ribbon-twist carvings. However, the prominent feature is the protruding rams' heads pushing out of the armrests. For thousands of years, artisans have incorporated animal motifs into furniture pieces. Walnut was commonly used in Louis XV chairs. Walnut was a highly sought-after wood due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic characteristics. The slightly winged-out shaped back is like the winged-back armchairs, or fireside chairs, created to help shield a person from drafts of cold air and also to trap the heat from a fireplace. Synchronously, the fireside chair design, along with the other elements of this chair makes it comfortable and cozy whether pulled up next to a fireplace or not.

We acquired it upholstered with soft salmon-pink velvet. Designer Stephanie Sarris transformed it into an updated colorful, comfortable, and stylish armchair. She chose fabrics in keeping with the important features of the chair, while also bringing in modern elements. Named after the male bighorn sheep, the seat's cushion was upholstered with 100% durable polyester that feels like shearling. Designed by the renowned upholstery fabric store, Pindler in 7025 Fluffy. This bouclé texture in black color, adds warmth and comfort. The black color plays off the symbolism of the ram's strength, authority, and power and is highlighted amidst the contemporary print on the back and manchette arm cushions. The inky, watercolor print of black, brown, grey, and hot pink blots printed on luxurious cotton-viscose velvet called "Niumi Jaipur Pink" of The Kansai collection by Romo is in keeping with the reminiscing journey this chair has taken. The hot pink welt trim brings it all together while adding a feel of freshness and femininity to balance off the masculine mystique of the ram head carvings, making it into a chair that offers versatility and classic comfort to any room.

Overall H= 40 in. W= 30 in. D= 32 in. 45 lbs.
Additional measurements:
Seat H (floor to seat)= 21 in. W= 21 in. D= 23 in.
Arm H (floor to arm)= 28 in., D(back to front)= 11 in.
Back H (seat to top)= 22 in. W= 24 in. less