Set of Four Neoclassical White-Painted French Accent Arm Chairs, 19th Century

A delightful set of fauteuils from the first half of the 19th century, the form borrows heavily from the Louis XVI taste and the more austere development of the Directoire objects. Mild surface embellishments include the washboard carvings of the arm support terminals, a stylized flower relief over each front leg and a ribbed fluting along the length of the arm below a gilded shell. Gilt highlights on turnings and outlining the edges brings life to the otherwise white painted surface, this having worn away to show a layer of red bole beneath the gilding and paint. Originally the wooden pegs that lock all tenon-mortised joinery together would have been nearly invisible under the paint and gesso, but shrinkage and expansions of the wood have made the pegs visible, an attractive little detail that gives us appreciation for the intelligent use of materials during the period. Where glues were mostly derived of animal hides and relatively weak, these tiny wedged pins have served for nearly two-hundred years to firmly keep joints in line. We have left the early fabric on so that you can have them upholstered upon receipt in your own fabric. Measurements: 34 5/8" H x 21 7/8" W x 20 1/8" D x 16 3/4" H to seat