Transitional Antique French Giltwood Gesso Louis XVI carved giltwood fauteuil chair circa 1780
Transitional French Giltwood and Gesso Louis XVI carved giltwood fauteuil chair in the style of Georges Jacob (1739–1814), who supplied elegant sets of seat furniture to Queen Marie Antoinette and other members of the French royal family. The price is for one chair.
Sale Reduced from £395 now £195
The transitional period was a reaction against the curvilinear shapes of the Rococo with its exuberant and whimsical carving took place around 1760, when more classical elements were introduced as the result of a renewed interest in antiquity. The changes occurred gradually, and a number of chairs are in the so-called transitional style, often combining a still-curving but usually more restrained outline with new ornaments such as interlaced bands, urns, or acanthus leaves in the Neoclassical manner. During this period most chairs featured geometrical shapes with square, rectangular, or oval-shaped backs and straight turned or spirally fluted legs. The armrests were placed once again straight over the legs at the fore-edge of the seat rail, which was often curved. The frames of the back and seat were usually molded or carved with a continuous pattern, while a central ornament such as a medallion or wreath of flowers sometimes surmounted the crest rail . Some of the most talented menuisiers were Nicolas Quinibert Foliot (1706–1776), Nicolas Heurtaut (1720–1771), Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené (1748–1803), and Jean-Baptiste II Tilliard (1723–1798), all members of well-known chairmaking families. Another important chairmaker was Georges Jacob (1739–1814), who supplied elegant sets of seat furniture to Queen Marie Antoinette and other members of the French royal family.
Fabulous depth of colour due to the multiple stages required to create a gilded surface, several hundred years of wear can sometimes reveal the earlier stages on the surface as the gilding has been rubbed back As has with these chairs. It is common to see the red bole, greens and other base colours along with white plasterwork in areas of the gilding. Instead of detracting from the piece, this appearance is often quite appealing as it reflects the age and history of the object. It is also not uncommon for gilded pieces to have their gilding refreshed over the years, which would brighten and revive the golden surface.
As a genuine antique there is wear and use commensurate with age. Some wooden products may have signs of historic woodworm. As a precaution we apply a clear triple action woodworm treatment that also kills wet rot, dry rot and woodworm. Please look at all the images carefully and ask any questions pre purchase as we do not unfortunately offer refunds due to the size and shipping costs of our antiques/items. All our items are available on line at Search & Rescued and other online stores.