Antique French Provincial Chair

• France, 19th Century
• Dimensions: 34 1/4 inches tall, 22 inches from arm to arm, 19 3/4 widest part at seat, 16 1/2 inches deep

This 19th century chair is a very good example of French Provincial workmanship. This particular style was born in the 17th and 18th centuries in the suburbs/provinces of Paris. The wealthy citizens of these areas such as Provence, Normandy, Bordeaux and other French regions were not the wealthy elite of a big city like Paris so that the high gloss fancy imported wood furniture was not something they could afford. They turned to their local craftsmen who used their available wood which was usually oak, beech, elm, cherry, apple and pear. Functionality as well as sturdiness, finishes that were either stained or painted, and carving as well as the use of iron for nails were the characteristics of this type of furniture. This particular chair is made of cherry and like many others of this period, it has a woven rush seat and a ladderback. Spindels and carved arms and legs help embellish this chair. The seat cushion is made of fabric from the outstanding company Quadrille. It has a pattern on one side and a solid fabric on the other. This 19th century French Provincial Chair is in very good condition as is the cushion. One could imagine being back in France seeing this 19th century piece with its lovely workmanship.