Armchair (Bergère à la Reine) 1750 - 1765

This "Bergère à la Reine" armchair, crafted by Jacques Chenevat, presents a compelling study in symbols of status and the natural world. Notice the floral patterns adorning the fabric, motifs that, during the 18th century, signaled a sophisticated appreciation for the gentler aspects of life and the aristocracy's connection to land and beauty. However, these delicate blossoms have deeper roots. Consider how, in earlier Renaissance paintings, flowers were not merely decorative but carriers of meaning – lilies representing purity, roses symbolizing love. This tradition persists here, albeit subtly transformed. The floral motifs, while seemingly benign, evoke a sense of cultivated leisure and courtly love. The curves and flourishes of the wooden frame further enhance this sentiment. Such designs connect us to a non-linear progression, an expression of the human desire for beauty and order, constantly resurfacing and adapting across centuries. This armchair is not merely a seat, but an object charged with cultural memory.