Armchair (fauteuil à la reine) 1779

This armchair, or "fauteuil à la reine," was crafted by Jacques Gondouin. Its gilded frame and floral tapestry invite us to contemplate symbols of power and beauty. Look closely at the floral motifs: roses, forget-me-nots, and other blossoms woven into the fabric. Flowers, across cultures, symbolize not only beauty but also life, fertility, and renewal. In ancient Greece and Rome, floral garlands adorned gods and heroes, while in Christian art, lilies represent purity and the Virgin Mary. Consider how the stylized rendering of these flowers here, contained within neat ovals, reflects the Enlightenment's desire to tame and order nature itself. These motifs transcend mere decoration. They engage our collective memory, evoking feelings of nostalgia, longing, and the eternal cycle of life and death. It’s a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Consider how this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.