With a low seat, the armchair is synonymous with the aristocracy. It continues to symbolize chic and elegance in interior decorations. Its comfort is all the more an element that leans in its favor. Since its creation in the 17th century, it has evolved to find the brand in a vintage or modern salon.

What are the models of the louis xvi armchair of the period?

The appearance of the chair dates back to the reign of Louis XV says the beloved. In its early days, the furniture belonged to the category of ornamental furniture. His ability to beautify the interior was not evoked until later on the rise to the throne of Louis XVI.

In fact, it found only its place in the tea rooms of the time as well as the palaces. Its comfortable character is drawn largely from its padded back. It also allows both arms to take comfort thanks to its armrests.

The armchair a seat of the era Louis XV and Louis XVI

The armchair was born into the French royal family in 1720. The seat has full cheeks. In addition, the furniture incorporates cushions to ensure the user's comfort. Under Louis XV, the furniture had rocky motifs. It is all the more possible to mention the presence of many curvatures that tend to mimic the shapes of a shell.

The circles gradually replaced the straight lines. The absence of symmetry and extravagant decorations are all essential elements of rococo. On the other hand, you can see fine mouldings that embellish the armrests and feet.

When Louis XV died, the cabinetmakers of the heir to the crown were inspired by classicism. The choice is legitimate since the king was surrounded by fervent admirers of the cultural movement. Thus, the gradual abandonment of the curves to the feet is noticed.

There has also been a significant improvement in the seat structures. Straight lines are used to limit the diverse parts of the chair. It is also feasible to see that the craftsmen have put forward the oval geometries to perform this task.

The different models of Louis XVI armchairs

Bergère louis XVI bleue

The armchair models come in a variety of forms on the market. However, it is necessary to take certain precautions at the time of purchase. Indeed, it is no longer possible to distinguish the copy from the real on a social network. There is the louis XVI shepherdess by ear, the shepherdess Louis XVI by Jacob and the shepherdess chairs Louis XV.

  • The louis XVI armchair with an ear

The louis xvi armchair by ear is the first of the models. It is also called the chair in confessional. Its specificity lies in its right file. It is intended for rest and offers a deep foundation. The ears act as a head rest. A large feather-padded cushion covers the antique furniture. It has armrests. The backrest has a tilt. Thanks to its elements, the louis xvi chair is designed to convey maximum comfort on different parts of the body.

  • L feauteuil Louis XVI by Jacob

Jacob's Louis XVI armchair is the result of the creation of George Jacob in the 18th century. He is famous in the royal court of louis XV for his abundant innovations. He continued his work until 1814. One of its tangible features is its hand-carved décor. The motifs take on the shapes of florets.

The structure is made with massive beech. The finishes are studded. However, you will discover prototypes with a piping finish. The seat and back are padded with feather or foam. Jacob's particular knowledge of the neo-classical seat stems from his apprenticeship at Louis Delanois. The latter is considered the founding father of furniture with a neo-classical design.

Jacob's transition style has innovated the geometry of the chairs. Thus, the feet can manifest themselves in the tapered form. The carpenter has again brought a little personalization by chiseling rough grooves. A decircle with a rose window will connect the hollowed-out belt. The purpose of the latter was to lighten the structure. He is not the only craftsman to make this change. He was later joined by Jean-Baptiste Sené. An upward curve binds the armrests with the back of the back.

For the record, the bent is uninterrupted. The drawings visible on the fabric are numerous. You will see acanthus leaves, pearls or animal muffles. They are hand-painted for a watercolor effect.

Louis XV armchairs

Bergère Louis XVI en bois doré

The louis XV armchairs is characterized by a perfect finish and its large largesse. They seek to reproduce a plant style. The seats are made of old-age beech wood or oak. At the time, the methods of tenon and mortaise were very popular.

Both of these techniques are still applicable today. The furniture was also created with gilded woods to infuse the Baroque style. The frames are decorated by nature. The motifs can be oriental or floral. The fabrics that cover the cushions are chosen with the utmost attention.

What is the price of an old Louis XVI armchair?

A pair of Louis XVI armchair in good condition sells around 4000 euros, and about 1500 euros for a single chair, the pairs always sell more expensive. You can find cheaper armchairs at dealers and antique dealers, often they need to be restored, especially the padding and suspensions are to be redone, which usually through a tapestry will double the price of your purchase.

As for its sale price, a flat-backed queen chair invented in beech costs between 200,000 euros and 250,000 euros. The signing of the cabinetmaker will drive up the price. You will find such seats in famous auction houses.   

For nearly a century, armchairs have been the object of fascination. The forgeries are then incalculable on the market. Be aware that the chair inherits from generation to generation as well, it remains difficult to find original models.