Offered by Franck Baptiste Paris
A substantial and wide pair of armchairs with flat backs, known as "à la reine" style.
The model is crafted from finely carved beechwood, engraved in the wood grain and gilded with gold leaf.
The upper rails are violin-shaped and molded, featuring acanthus clasps and small flowers on the shoulders, and a symmetrical shell motif at the top.
The legs are surmounted by acanthus leaves at the bottom and bouquets of small flowers at the top.
The moldings are finely punched and engraved in the wood grain, with reserve decoration and small circles on the front and a prominent decoration of acanthus leaves and stylized shells on the rear rails.
Traditional upholstery in natural horsehair and webbing, and celadon-colored damask covering.
In very good condition, with original gilding and minor touch-ups.
High quality of carving and engraving.
Both stamped "I.B CRESSON" on the inside of the rear crossbars.
Work of the cabinetmaker Jean Baptiste Cresson, Paris, Louis XV period, circa 1760.
Dimensions:
Height: 103 cm; Width: 75 cm; Depth: 70 cm
Provenance:
- Formerly in the collection of Ilhamy Hussein Pasha (1908-1992) at his villa Baia dei Fiori in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- His sale, Ader-Tajan, Monaco, March 14, 1993.
- Private collection, Genoa.
Our pair of armchairs is featured in Pierre Kjellberg's book, "Le Mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle" (French Furniture of the 18th Century), page 232.
Our opinion:
This exceptional pair of armchairs, crafted by one of the greatest cabinetmakers of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste Cresson, is distinguished by its extraordinary proportions and remarkably deep carving. The vigorous woodwork reveals a rich and lively modeling, characteristic of the finest Parisian workshops.
The seats have retained their original gilding, a particularly rare feature, allowing one to fully appreciate the fine engraving in the gilding, both on the front and back. This detail reveals meticulous craftsmanship, even in the least visible areas, and is an undeniable sign of a truly first-rate chair.
It is likely that this quality of execution, combined with a prestigious provenance, led to their reproduction in the definitive work, "Le Mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle."
