Armchair after 1756

Curator: Oh, those Rococo chairs! They look as if they just escaped a very fancy tea party and landed here in the museum. I wonder what tales they could tell? Editor: There's something undeniably alluring about them. The deep green one especially – it almost pulsates with a vibrant energy. Curator: That, my friend, is exactly the magic Jean-Baptiste Lebas, the artisan who made them, conjured around 1756 or after. The museum calls it "Armchair", though calling these works “just” armchairs feels like such an understatement. Editor: I can see what you mean! The sinuous curves, the floral motifs on the other chair, the velvety texture...it's like a tangible invitation to luxury. Does it evoke ideas from French royalty? Curator: Definitely! Those flowing lines are meant to mimic organic forms – shells, leaves, tendrils. Furniture of the period was rarely ever about just the practical act of sitting. It was all about theatre. See how the light catches those gilt edges and turns them to sparkling gold? The textile designs must have reflected an owner with an interest in the style that had captured the French elites and then the rest of the royal countries. Editor: Absolutely, that color pops out, like that gold wants all of our attention. Do you think there's a message behind it? Some reference to classical mythology? Curator: Oh, definitely not, though that kind of iconography was going out of vogue, even then! At this time, interior design focused on comfort and luxury in the everyday. Rococo style reflected a love of fun, elegance, lightheartedness and the joys of secular life. Even though its heyday had passed a decade prior, Lebas made it feel current with fresh fabrics! Editor: It really shows! Still, despite their differences, they somehow radiate the same… elegance. They whisper tales of elaborate gatherings, powdered wigs, and secret rendezvous. Curator: They make me wonder if I should start using words like "chaise" instead of “chair.” Editor: Yes, but perhaps sitting and meditating! Thank you, it was quite enlightening to sit –err discuss– these two lovely pieces.