Armchair (part of a set of nine)

Art Historical Context

This elegant armchair, part of a rare set of nine from mid-18th-century France, exemplifies the opulent Rococo style popular in Louis XV-era interiors. Crafted from carved and painted walnut, its frame features the period's characteristic curves and naturalistic motifs, providing both structural grace and visual delight. The dimensions—nearly 38 inches tall—suggest it designed for comfortable seating in lavish salons, where furniture served as a canvas for artistic expression. What sets this piece apart is its Aubusson tapestry upholstery, a hallmark of French decorative arts from the town of Aubusson, renowned for producing high-quality, low-warp tapestries since the 17th century. These woven panels, adorned with vibrant birds and flowers (as tagged), brought pastoral scenes indoors, blending artistry with everyday luxury. Aubusson works were more accessible than Parisian haute tapisserie, making refined elegance attainable for the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. Bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1948 by Catherine D. Wentworth, this armchair invites visitors to imagine the refined conversations and candlelit gatherings of ancien régime France, where every piece of furniture told a story of craftsmanship and culture.