Armchair (bergère à la Reine) (one of a pair)

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of 18th-century interiors with this stunning *bergère à la Reine one of a pair ofchairs crafted by the master cabinetmakers Jean-Baptiste I Tard and his son Jean-Baptiste II Tilliard Popular during the Louis XV period, the "à la Reine" style epitomized refined comfort, featuring padded, enclosed arms and loose cushions that invited leisurely repose in aristocratic salons. The Tilliards, renowned *menuisiers* specializing in seat furniture, were celebrated for their exquisite Rococo designs, blending graceful curves with intricate detailing. The armchair's frame is fashioned from beechwood, skillfully carved with floral motifs and lavishly gilded for a shimmering, regal effect—a technique that highlighted the era's love for luxury and playfulness. Its upholstery in ikat, a patterned fabric created through resist-dyeing, introduces an exotic texture, likely evoking global trade influences in Enlightenment-era Europe. Measuring about 40 inches tall with a 14-inch seat height, it balances grandeur and ergonomics perfectly. Generously bequeathed to The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Mrs. Charles Wrightsman in 2019, this piece from the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection offers a tangible glimpse into Versailles-era elegance, where furniture was both art and status symbol.