Armchair back 1754 - 1756

This armchair back was designed by Beauvais. The design of the armchair is dominated by a silvery frame with floral-patterned upholstery. The baroque curves of the wood frame, replete with sculpted floral ornamentation, lead the eye around the chair in a continuous, sinuous movement. The floral and landscape scenes woven into the fabric of the seat and backrest contrast the sculptural elements of the frame. The Rococo style, with its emphasis on asymmetry and elaborate ornamentation, reflects the aristocratic tastes of the period. The chair does more than serve a functional purpose, and acts as a symbol of status and power. Its intricate design and costly materials would have been visual indicators of the owner's wealth and cultural refinement. Notice the way the designer employs line, texture, and form to construct a visual language that speaks to ideas of luxury, nature, and artistry. We are left to interpret the chair’s intricate details, and to question the cultural values embedded within its elaborate design.