Pair of armchairs 1755 - 1765

These armchairs were crafted by Jean-Baptiste II Tilliard, a prominent figure in 18th-century France. During this era, the French aristocracy sought to express power and status through extravagant displays of wealth. These chairs, with their delicate floral patterns, embody the Rococo style, an aesthetic that celebrated luxury and pleasure. But, beyond their aesthetic appeal, these chairs also speak to the vast social inequalities of the time. Imagine the labor required to produce such pieces – from the craftsmen to the farmers who grew the flax for the linen. While these chairs were designed for comfort, they also served as symbols of exclusion. Who was allowed to sit here, and who was not? Consider how these objects shaped the experiences and identities of those who interacted with them. They provide a lens through which we might examine the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and social identity in 18th-century France.