Two French Chairs, in Chippendale Drawings, Vol. I 1753

This is a plate from the first volume of *The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director*, a groundbreaking design manual by Thomas Chippendale, one of the most influential English furniture designers of the 18th century. The plate, dated 1753, shows two designs for French-style chairs, featuring intricate floral and avian motifs. The chairs are characterized by cabriole legs, a common feature in Chippendale's designs, and their backs are adorned with a distinctive Rococo-inspired design, showcasing the emerging influence of French decorative arts on English design. This drawing is part of a larger collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering insight into Chippendale's innovative approach to furniture design and his masterful use of line and detail.