Side chair (Chaise à la reine) (part of a set)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Side Chair (Chaise à la reine)*, crafted in Paris around 1786–87, exemplifies the refined neoclassical furniture of the late Louis XVI period. Produced by a talented team of artisans—including carvers Jean Hauré, Jean Baptiste Boulard, and Nicolas François Vallois, alongside gilders like Louis-François Chatard and Lambert Charny—it was part of a luxurious set designed for aristocratic salons. The "Chaise à la reine" style, named after Marie Antoinette, features a slender, elegant form with a padded back and seat, evoking the grace of ancient Greek and Roman thrones while adapting to French opulence. Fashioned from carved and gilded beech wood, the chair showcases intricate motifs of buildings and flowers, symbolizing architectural harmony and natural beauty—hallmarks of neoclassicism's rational elegance. The original silk damask upholstery has been replaced, but the surviving gilding gleams with period authenticity, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship of Parisian workshops. At just over 36 inches tall, its compact dimensions suited intimate 18th-century interiors. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1945 through the Fletcher Fund, this chair offers a glimpse into pre-Revolutionary France's decorative arts, where furniture doubled as status symbols amid social upheaval. A testament to collaborative mastery, it invites visitors to appreciate the blend of utility, artistry, and royal splendor.

About the Artist

Jean Hauré|Jean Baptiste Boulard|Nicolas François Vallois|Guintrange|Julliac|Louis-François Chatard|Lambert Charny ( | | |French) · 1739 |1668 |1725 |1751 –1839 |1768 |1825 |1843

born 1739, active 1774–after 1796|died 1768, master 1764| |French, Paris 1751–1843 Paris