French Louis XVI Period Carved Giltwood Arm Chair Fauteuil ca. 1775

A FINE LOUIS XVI CARVED GILTWOOD FAUTEUIL
Probably Paris, circa 1775
Apparently unmarked

40 3/8" H, 17 1/4" H to seat; 22 1/2" D x 23 3/8" W

ref. 601SKP23Z

A carved giltwood armchair with square back and molded frame, the crest centered by a roundel and bordered with a beaded molding. The downswept arms terminate in carved curved and rounded acanthus leaf knuckles and rest on cyma-curved supports with finely detailed foliage detail. The seat rail is ornamented with a repeating interlacing flanked by rosette blocks at the corners. Raised on tapering stop-fluted legs, the upper fluting inset with droplet flowers.

The frame retains its gilt surface with visible wear and areas of bole showing through at high points. The carving is fluid and naturalistic throughout, particularly in the arm terminals and supports. Upholstered in green textile with decorative braid trim. Very fine.

Condition: Wear and loss to the gilding and gesso throughout with rubbing through the gilt layer to the underlying bole as expected. Gilding was likely refreshed in the 19th/20th century, at the same time the underside was scrubbed and bleached. Upholstery reconfigured, with old tacking traces along the underside of the lumbar support bar. Reupholstery in good condition, not new but well preserved and serviceable. Sturdy and strong in all joints. Ready to place.