Item 9360 Henri II Armchair Dimensions Width 26½, Height 46, Depth 22 (in inches) Wood Walnut Date Circa 1890 Country France Description This armchair, hand-carved from solid walnut, dates from the late 19th century and displays an exuberance of decorative elements combining, Gothic, Renaissance and Louis XIV stylistic motifs.  Characterized by graceful curves and architectural flourishes, the basic framework of the chair uses a sweeping “H” shaped stretcher supporting legs with intricate turnings.    The scrolled, front extensions of the armrests as well as the underlying arm stumps are framed by carved acanthus leaves. The back is encased on either side by fluted columns punctuated at the top by the square “sand pile” motif and turning seen in the legs, but with the order reversed.  Atop the upholstered portion of the back is a frieze in a half-moon pattern crowned by a “broken pediment”  in which a leaf pattern with descending chutes de fruits or cascading vegetation is carved.  As with all our chairs, the foundation of cushion and springs has been completely rebuilt and the chair has been painstakingly re-glued so that it is once again sturdy and stable.  The upholstery is new and, in keeping with the overall style of the chair, is patterned with vegetation in antique-gold color against a vivid blue background. Reference Boussel, Patrice, Les Styles du Moyen Age à Louis XIV  (Baschet et Cie, Paris, 1979); Rousseau, Francis, Le Grand Livre des Meubles (Copyright Studio, Paris, 1999) Uses This chair is especially comfortable and would be the center of attention in a living, library, study, or even a bedroom.