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Pair of Late 19th Century French Gilt Armchairs by Eugene Grasset

Offered by: The Fortress

Description
This pair of chairs probably formed part of a suite of furniture designed by Eugene Grasset, circa 1880 for the Paris residence of Charles Gillot, inspired by Haute Epoque designs and by the theories of Violet-le-Duc.
Born in Switzerland in 1841, Eugène Grasset studied architecture and finally settled in Paris in 1871 where he worked as a designer for a fabric maker. He read a lot and was strongly influenced by the theories of Viollet-le-Duc : the determinant role of reason in arts and the lesson given to men by nature : no one may invent any new shape as all shapes are already existing in nature. He would also be guided by this architect's admiration for the medieval times, which he also studied to a large extent.
Eugène Grasset befriended Charles Gillot and first collaborated with him as an illustrator and a photo-engraver, since the latter had inherited a patent from his father for a chemical process, allowing to print simultaneously text and images. He had then adapted the process himself to photography. Captivated by the strong erudition and original taste of Eugène Grasset, Charles Gillot commissioned him to draw a whole set of furniture for his Parisian home, amongst which a monumental chimney, a sideboard, a bed and a series of chairs. Eugène Grasset was concerned with both maintaining a certain harmony in the house which already contained medieval and Renaissance furniture, altarpieces and oriental art, and still creating original pieces of furniture rather than mere copies. His design language consisted of perfect lines combined with symbols inspired from nature, establishing a dialogue between man and nature and allow his designs to become both objects of art and use.
Also professor of decorative arts in Paris, Eugène Grasset had amongst his pupils the daughter of Charles Gillot, who commissioned him upon her marriage in 1905, with a second set of furniture that would remind her of her family house. Thus, 25 years later, Eugène Grasset designed a dining suite, a series of chairs and a bibliotheque almost exactly upon the same models as for the first commission, only using walnut instead of oak.
Today, some examples from these two commissions belong to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
The fact that the present chairs are made of walnut suggests that they belong to the second set Grasset produced for Gillot's daughter, 25 years later. The gilding was probably added later to give the chairs a more cheerful and opulent look. It could be removed.

More Information

In the Style of:	Eugene Grasset
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Gilt wood, upholstery
Condition:	Good. The exquisite silk and velvet applique fabric needs to be restored or replaced. Wear consistent with age and use
Creation Date:	late 19th century
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Baroque, Louis XIII, Revival
Dealer Reference #:	E_536
Incollect Reference #:	227972

Dimensions

W.	28 in;	H.	43 in;	D.	23 in;
W.	71.12 cm;	H.	109.22 cm;	D.	58.42 cm;

Seat H.	18 in;
Seat H.	45.72 cm;

Message from Seller:

The Fortress, located in Troy, NY, specializes in early antiques from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. With a history deeply rooted in the city's textile industry, it now serves as a hub for high-end antique collections, blending history with refined taste. For inquiries, contact The Fortress at 518.271.4150 or email info@fortressverve.com.