Armchair after 1756

These armchairs were crafted by Jean-Baptiste Lebas, a master craftsman beginning in 1756. You can see them here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. What strikes you at first glance are the contrasting textures and colors. One chair boasts a golden sheen with floral patterns, while the other is enveloped in a deep emerald velvet. The gilded frames share similar curvilinear forms, yet each chair presents a distinct tactile experience. Consider the language of these forms: the curves, the plushness, the hard gleam of gold leaf. These are signs that speak to the values of the era. The floral chair may allude to ideas of Rococo decadence, while the deep green chair evokes notions of naturalism. Lebas juxtaposes visual vocabularies that can challenge traditional ideas of wealth and status. Notice how the chairs engage with light, both absorbing and reflecting. The velvety texture invites touch, while the smooth surfaces offer an experience that is visual. These chairs present a complex dialogue about art, material and social values.