Side chair (one of a pair) 1770 - 1780

This side chair, one of a pair, was crafted by Jean-Jacques Pothier around 1775. The chair presents a visual harmony of form and material, typical of late 18th-century French design. Notice how the gilded frame traces the chair’s elegant, oval back and curves down to meet the seat, drawing our eye along its continuous, flowing lines. The pastel-colored floral embroidery contrasts with the gold frame. The fabric serves as a canvas, depicting birds encircled by flowers. The chair’s structure uses symmetry and balance, which was a key feature of the Neoclassical style. However, the chair's legs show the transition to a more refined style, with their delicate fluting. Through the chair’s composition and ornamentation, it is possible to gain insight into the cultural values of the time. It embodies both luxury and the era's interest in the natural world.