Description
This beautiful pair of walnut armchairs is upholstered with its original high-quality needlepoint tapestry.
These seats have a base that is joined by an H-shaped spacer, treated in the “sheep bone” manner. It has a central spacer at the front, as well as curved armrests that provide additional comfort.
The seats, with their slightly sloping backs and gendarme hats, are typical of the period, and feature a tapestry with small dots decorated with flowers and birds on the seats, and a ‘turquerie’ with elegantly dressed figures on the backs.
On the first armchair, a central figure resembling a Vizier with a feeling of joy, dressed in a shimmering coat with wide sleeves, is seated on a throne carried by two men. One carries a cup and a bell while the other has his hands protected in his sleeves. Below, a third plays a stringed instrument while the last brings an offering.
The second armchair, with its lush decor, presents a meal scene where three characters feast happily while a servant brings a beautiful fruit platter.
The characters move joyfully in a floral decor inhabited by phoenixes, birds and fantastic animals freely arranged.
It should be noted that in the 17th century, oriental scenes also called ‘turqueries’ were highly sought after, for example in fashion, trade and diplomatic relations between the Levant and the Court, and even featured in the opera-ballets of the time.