Side chair (one of a pair) (part of a set)

Art Historical Context

This elegant side chair, crafted in Paris around 1775–80, reflects the refined tastes of late eighteenth-century French aristocracy on the eve of the Revolution. Created through a collaboration between master furniture maker Georges Jacob and silk designer Philippe de Lasalle, it forms part of a larger set designed for a grand interior. Its carved and gilded walnut frame showcases the precise, elegant lines that would soon define the emerging Neoclassical style under Louis XVI. The chair’s luxurious embroidered silk-satin upholstery highlights the period’s emphasis on harmonious design, where textiles and woodwork were conceived as a unified ensemble. Jacob’s expert carving and gilding add sculptural depth, while the rich fabric brings warmth and color. Such pieces were status symbols, often commissioned for royal or noble residences to demonstrate wealth and cultural sophistication. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum’s European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, this chair offers visitors a tangible glimpse into the collaborative artistry and opulent material culture of pre-Revolutionary France.