Armchair (one of a pair) 1755 - 1765

Editor: This is "Armchair (one of a pair)," crafted between 1755 and 1765 by Louis I Cresson. It is an intricate piece made of carved wood, showcasing aspects of sculpture and relief. Looking at it, I am struck by the chair's opulence; what statement do you think this chair makes? Curator: Opulence, yes, but I see something more layered here. The Rococo style isn't merely about aesthetics; it's deeply intertwined with the French aristocracy, wouldn’t you agree? This chair was a symbol of power and privilege during a time of increasing social inequality, a time when many people had nothing to sit on at all. Think of it in terms of class. Editor: So you’re saying its beauty is almost… subversive because it highlights the divide? The average person wouldn't be sitting in chairs like this in that time period? Curator: Precisely. How do you interpret its curves and ornamentation when viewed through a lens of societal critique? The artistry is undeniable, yet we cannot divorce it from its function as a status symbol and an instrument of social division. It invites conversation about access and how beauty can both conceal and reveal inequity. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s easy to get lost in the craftsmanship, but it’s essential to consider whose stories were silenced to create such extravagance. I did not think about the chair in those terms at all! Curator: Exactly. And how do we contend with objects like this in a museum context today? What responsibilities do institutions and individuals hold in reckoning with art’s complicated past? Editor: This has given me a lot to think about regarding how we present art. This chair represents more than just artistic skill! Thank you for opening my eyes!