An Exceptional Pair of French Gilt Bergères

This exceptional pair of gilt bergères date from the second empire circa 1870. They belong to the resurgence of interest at that time in the furniture styles of earlier centuries. This charming pair of chairs are a high quality 19th century rendition of the 18th century transitional period. The flamboyant rococo style of Louis XV was replaced later in the 18th century by the straighter more classical lines of Louis XVI as interest in the classical lines of ancient antiquity thrived. These particular chairs document the transition between the two styles . As the florid lines of Louis XV segued into the stricter lines of Louis XVI the transitional style adopted elements of both. These chairs exhibit the serpentine lines of Louis XV in the shape of their legs and arms yet the the straight lines of the backs , the carved grecian frieze - like decoration and the square carved lozenges are all pure Louis XVI. The chairs are excellently crafted and of the highest quality. The chairs are presented "dans leurs jus ", in original condition awaiting carefully chosen reupholstery or for the purist, to be enjoyed as they were found , gloriously and incredibly untouched by the modern world.