Pair of Louis XV-style armchairs, late 19th century

Pair of Louis XV-style armchairs, late 19th century.
Carved, polychrome, and gilded wood.
Provenance: Catalan palace.
The upholstery has stains on one of the armchairs.
Measurements: 96 x 58 x 65 cm.

The rich ornamentation and the pronounced predominance of curved forms in this pair of armchairs directly evoke the refinement of French Rococo. The sinuous backrests are crowned with elaborate carvings of rocaille and plant motifs, a motif that extends along the armrests, the undulating waistlines, and the characteristic cabriole legs. The gilded finish accentuates the sumptuous character of the set, while the floral-patterned upholstery harmonizes with the naturalistic inspiration of the carving.

Their provenance from a Catalan palace lends the set special historical significance, linking it to the aristocratic and bourgeois interiors where the revival of French styles enjoyed remarkable popularity during the 19th century, thereby adding further value to the pieces as collectibles.

The Louis XV style, developed in France during the reign of Louis XV (1715–1774), is characterized by an elegant, light, refined, and markedly curvilinear aesthetic, closely linked to the Rococo. In contrast to the monumentality and symmetry of the Louis XIV style, Louis XV furniture seeks greater intimacy and comfort, with dynamic forms in which straight lines are virtually absent. Particularly characteristic features include cabriole legs, sinuous and mixtilinear profiles, undulating aprons, and nature-inspired decoration featuring rocaille, shells, leaves, flowers, volutes, and plant motifs. Asymmetrical compositions, fine woods, and marquetry are common, as are gilded bronzes and marble tops on tables and chests of drawers. The result is furniture with a sophisticated yet visually light appearance, designed for the refined French aristocratic interiors of the 18th century.