M. Markley Antiques
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Antique Chairs - Item 4119
Louis XIV Armchairs with Lions Heads

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Item 4119	Louis XIV Armchairs with Lions Heads
Dimensions	Width 27, Height 46 ½, Depth 21½ (in inches)
Wood	Walnut
Country	France
Date	Circa 1890
Price	$3,695
Description	This pair of beautifully carved Louis XIV armchairs caught our eye because of the intricately carved lions heads on the ends of the arms. The photos show the quality of the carving of the lion's faces, capturing well their fierce demeanor. The chairs are made of solid walnut, and are in excellent condition, i.e., no wobbliness or loose joints, and even the fabric (which we have not replaced)  is acceptable. As with all Louis XIV chairs the slightly angled back allows substantial comfort as it seems a natural angle that allows its occupant the opportunity to sit upright for long periods. This is an interesting development in seating, as before this design arrived, seat backs were often vertical, as well as un-upholstered. In contrast to Gothic and Renaissance styles, Louis XIV's reign gave rise to a breakthrough in chair construction, with the back becoming higher and the seat becoming larger to accommodate the more ample space required by the fashions of his day.  The tops of the backs of these chairs are flat rather than curved, which is more typical of an earlier era of Louis XIV's reign when the flat back was commonly paired with the os de mouton base.  Indeed, when considered with the base of the chairs, featuring turnings and stretchers harking back to Louis XIII style, it is evident that its stylistic antecedents are from early in Louis XIV's reign. The feet are carved in the classic lion's paw design of Italian versions of these chairs, to accompany the lion's heads on the arms. Behind the heads on the arms, and near the back of the arms, near the back, are carved acanthus leaves which complete the carving on the arms. The tapestry fabric is completely intact, no holes or tears, or pulls, and the springs and suspension are all in good condition. I suspect they were recovered in the last 30 years or so. I believe the frames are from the early twentieth century.
Reference	Quette, Anne-Marie, Le Mobilier Français Louis XIII et Louis XIV (Editions Massin, Paris, 1996); Rousseau, Francis, Le Grand Livre des Meubles (Copyright Studio, Paris, 1999).
Uses	Whether re-upholstered or not, these matched chairs will provide comfortable seating, and an exceptional example of Louis XIV style in any setting.