Armchair (Fauteuil à la reine) (one of a pair) (part of a set) 1775 - 1790

This armchair, or fauteuil à la reine, was crafted by Georges Jacob during the late 18th century, embodying the elegance of French Neoclassicism. Note the floral motifs woven into the fabric and carved into the gilded frame; these symbols of nature and abundance were prevalent in a society embracing Enlightenment ideals. Yet, these motifs echo through time. Consider the floral adornments in ancient Roman frescoes or the verdant tapestries of the Renaissance. Such symbols transcend mere decoration; they embody a primal connection to nature, a yearning for a lost Arcadia. Flowers are not merely aesthetic; they are imbued with cultural memory. Their cyclical blooming and withering mirrors the transience of life, a memento mori subtly woven into the fabric of aristocratic life. This evokes both beauty and a poignant awareness of mortality, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.