catalog text
SET OF SIX GRAY PAINTED BELLE ÉPOQUE THEATRE CHAIRS
Stamped VEUILLE; Carved beech and twisted iron; France, circa 1890
Item # 906OCJ05K
A very unusual and incredibly interesting set of six French theatre seats from the turn of the century, they are expertly crafted and a fascinating joining of the period with the modern.
To allow for commercial use in a theatre, the craftsman designed these with wrought and twisted iron legs and bases, the leg with a slight cabriole and resting over integral bent feet for longevity; these are hinged to allow the seat to raise with a curved stretcher that allows legs to pass before the chair easily. Note how iron in the back legs rises up from the foot through the shoulders of the chair, lending strength to every part of the chair frame.
The upper portion of the chair is designed in the distinct Louis XVI taste with the twisted rope motif surrounding the oval upholstered back. A relatively recent gingham pattern fabric covers the back and cushions the caned seat. One chair frame that we removed was stamped VEUILLE to the underside of the back.
A rare and unusual find, this is a stunning set that will make a fascinating vignette in the right setting.
Measurements: 35 3/4" H x 18 1/2" W x 19 1/2" D x 19" H to seat
Condition Report:
Chairs are in "ready-to-place" condition. Several layers of old paint, this worn and distressed throughout. One crest with a more obvious crack in the upper left (still very sturdy and strong), other chairs with chip losses and cracks as expected from age and shrinkage. Three caned seats are recent, the others are older replacements. One chair rivets replaced with high quality tapped screws. Upholstery is in overall good condition with only minor blemish to the undersides of cushions.