René Cresson - Exceptional Suite of 6 Louis XV Period Armchairs

Six flat back Chairs
by René Cresson (circa 1705-before 1745)
known as Cresson the Elder, Master in 1738

Paris circa 1740, Carved natural walnut
H. 98 cm x W. 71 cm x D. 60 cm

The Cresson family formed one of the greatest French dynasties of chair makers in the 18th century. Cresson the Elder was the first to sign his works; having died at around 40 years of age, he is also the one whose production is the rarest. His creations represent a kind of transition between the Louis XIV and Louis XV periods and are distinguished by a nobility of line and proportion. His carving is profound, richly detailed, and his hand is particularly recognizable in the clasps and the flowing projections that adorn the seat rails and backs, as seen in this series.

The exceptional nature of this series rests on a combination of four remarkable characteristics:

- Large sets of armchairs, six or more, are rare today, having often been sold separately.
- This is a model with a wide seat and a flat back, very richly carved.
- The condition of the six frames is particularly good, with no grafted legs, and no crossbars replaced or resoled.
- All six armchairs are signed on their rear crossbars by a great master cabinetmaker from the first half of the 18th century.

The lines of these chairs are perfectly drawn. The backs are slightly higher than they are wide, and their upper crossbars are well-shaped and richly carved. The curve of the legs is robust and remains within the restrained and classical style of the early Louis XV period. The superb treatment of the legs is noteworthy, with carving in the form of an enveloping hoof, shaped like acanthus leaves with a triple ball. This particular leg decoration is sometimes found in the work of Nicolas Heurtaut. Finally, the crossbars are particularly well crafted with the rich clasps characteristic of Cresson l’Ainé.

These chairs have just undergone a complete restoration, both in terms of woodwork and upholstery, by the finest specialized craftsmen we have available. The fabric is a Rubelli design, and the trimmings are custom-made.