A Principally 17thC Louis XIV Aubusson Tapestry Upholstered French Provincial Wingback Armchair from Chateau Bayenvaal

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Origin: French
Period: Louis XIV
Provenance: Chateau Bayenvaal, Near Paris
Date: c.1680, the tapestry upholstery of the same period, recovered in the 1960s
Height: 45.5 inches
Width: 29 inches
Depth: 30 inches (all approximate and at extremities)

The seventeenth century French armchair, being upholstered in a period floral tapestry and later mid twentieth century powder and peacock blue silk velvet, with additional cushion, the whole with tassel work and iron mounts, the wing back and open arms above chamfered oak block legs united by stretchers, survives from Chateau Bayenvaal, near Paris, France.

Overall the chair is very good order. Over the years there has been some alterations and restoration with the upholstery being last carried out in the 1960s with period 17th century floral tapestry and later silk and velvet to cover the remaining carcass. The condition to the seventeenth century upholstery is only very partly faded, with the colours remaining very strong whilst the silk and springs are still plush and springy. The oak block legs and frame do show some signs of nigh on four centuries of age with some small losses and signs of old worm. The chair though remains in good strong and sturdy order with little movement and each foot is reinforced to the sole with iron plates.

There is a signature on the base of the chair with the inscription ’17 cent Provencal chair from Chateau Bayenvaal near Paris, reupholstered in silk velvet with 17 cent floral tapestry back.. Dec 6th 1966’ and with an indistinct signature.

The original purpose of wing-backed armchairs was understood to be to prevent drafts in old houses from reaching ones upper body or to protect the delicate skin of gentrified ladies from the heat of a roaring fire.

An exceedingly comfortable and wonderfully idiosyncratic armchair of super age, proportions and provenance. Sumptuous.
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