Armchair (part of a set of nine) 1730 - 1765

This armchair, part of a set of nine, was made in Aubusson using wood and tapestry. Aubusson was a center for tapestry weaving in France, and here we see that craft applied to an everyday object. The tapestry, with its elaborate floral pattern and hunting scene, contrasts with the pale wood of the frame. Notice how the carved details of the wood mimic the natural forms depicted in the tapestry, blurring the line between the structure of the chair and its decoration. Tapestry weaving is incredibly labor-intensive. Each thread is individually placed, building up the image slowly and methodically. This armchair, like many decorative arts objects, represents a significant investment of time and skill. It speaks to a culture that valued handcraft and was willing to pay for it. Looking at this chair, we can appreciate the artistry involved in both the woodworking and the weaving, and the social context that made such a creation possible. It encourages us to reconsider the boundaries between fine art and craft.