Armchair 1715 - 1720

This armchair was made by Beauvais. A seat such as this would have been an integral part of aristocratic life. Consider the tapestry which adorns it, with its elaborate ornamentation that speaks to the status and identity of its owner. During this era, the chair was far more than just a functional object; it was a statement of power, wealth, and refined taste. It reflects the rigid social hierarchies of the time, where even the furniture played a role in signifying one's position in society. Think about the labor and resources required to create such a piece and then think of the lives of those excluded from such luxury. This armchair invites us to reflect on the complexities of social class. The chair’s visual language shapes our understanding of the period.