Armchair (Bergère à la reine) (one of a pair) (part of a set) 1780 - 1790

This is one of a pair of armchairs made by Jean-Baptiste-Bernard Demay in the late 18th century, showcasing the opulence of the era. The chair’s form is immediately striking with its blend of gilded wood and delicate floral upholstery. The curvilinear frame, typical of the Louis XVI style, creates an enveloping sense of comfort, yet the straight fluted legs add a sense of formal structure. Demay’s clever manipulation of line and texture serves more than just an aesthetic purpose. The gilded frame with its sharp, ornate details contrasts with the soft, muted tones of the floral fabric. This juxtaposition subtly challenges the rigid social structures of the time, hinting at a desire for softer, more natural forms within the constraints of aristocratic taste. Note how the placement of floral motifs directs your eye, creating movement and rhythm. It suggests that even in seemingly static objects, there's a dynamic interplay between form and function, aesthetics and ideology.