Armchair 1735 - 1740

Editor: So, here we have an armchair, crafted around 1735-1740, and attributed to René Cresson. It lives here at the Met in New York and blends carved wood with textile upholstery. The detail is just astounding. There’s something almost… whimsical about it. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: Whimsical is spot on! For me, it's a deep dive into a time when art wasn't just for walls, but lived right there with you – in your seat! Can’t you just imagine someone settling into this chair after a ball, utterly exhausted but absolutely buzzing with gossip? Think of the conversations this chair has overheard. It’s Rococo, so think playful elegance. Notice how the floral carvings are all curves and flourishes; nothing harsh, all invitation. Editor: It’s so ornate. But with purpose, I think? It really commits to the landscape depicted in the tapestry, from the wood down to its claw feet. Curator: Exactly! It is really ALL landscape. The wood carving almost mimics gnarled roots and vines. And what about the tapestry itself? What does that tell you? Editor: I see birds. Is it…exotic? The pattern isn’t something you would find here nowadays. Curator: Perhaps birds imported to France or dreamt of. France at that time sought to establish colonies to attain that kind of abundance, therefore this image hints at colonialism and questions ideas around how taste is shaped. Do you agree? Editor: Definitely, I never looked at it that way. Now, with this information I see its political charge. Curator: Precisely! It’s beauty with layers, a real sign of the times. An everyday object with a depth and hidden symbolism. A pleasure and food for thought!