Twee fauteuils 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche designed these two fauteuils, or armchairs. A dominant motif here is the chair itself. The chair has long served as more than mere seating; it is a throne, a seat of power, of rest, of contemplation. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were depicted on elaborate chairs, symbols of their divine authority. In medieval times, the bishop's chair, or cathedra, signified his spiritual dominion. Observe how the chair design here, with its high back and sturdy arms, evokes protection and enclosure. The patterned fabric hints at the comfort and intimacy of domestic life. The fringe detail, though decorative, suggests boundaries, a separation from the outside world. The chair becomes a vessel, a container of human experience. It cradles our bodies and, metaphorically, our thoughts and emotions. This design reflects our human desire for stability, for a safe haven in a world of uncertainty. From the pharaohs to the modern home, the chair persists as a powerful symbol, evolving yet eternally resonating with our deepest needs and aspirations.