Twee fauteuils 1885 - 1895

These two fauteuils were designed by Léon Laroche. These designs were not simply sketched, they were carefully drafted, with dimensions, materials, and decorative details noted as part of a project. This tells us that the chairs were conceived within a system of production, involving many hands with various skills. Consider the frames, precisely joined and carved, and the upholstery. The selection and application of textiles was a labor-intensive process involving weavers, dyers, and seamstresses. The fabrics and fringes are integral, giving shape and volume to the chair, but also signifying status and taste. These chairs were designed to communicate a certain level of luxury and care through an aesthetic language of comfort and beauty. By examining the materials and methods of production, we can gain insight into social values of labor, politics, and consumption, and appreciate the rich historical context embedded within each object.