Armchair (fauteuil à la reine) (part of a set) 1749 - 1761

This fauteuil à la reine, or armchair, was crafted by Nicolas-Quinibert Foliot. Notice the pastoral scenes woven into the fabric, depicting idyllic landscapes with flora, swans and a dog. These motifs, popular in 18th-century France, hark back to Arcadia, a classical vision of unspoiled wilderness and harmonious life, symbolizing innocence, leisure, and a retreat from the complexities of courtly life. The swan, often associated with purity and grace, has journeyed through artistic traditions, from Leda and the Swan in Greek mythology to its role as a symbol of love and fidelity in later Renaissance paintings. The dog evokes loyalty and companionship, recurring in art across centuries as a testament to human-animal bonds. The floral patterns, ever-present in decorative arts, echo the cyclical rhythms of nature, reminding us of life’s ephemeral beauty. The human psyche is drawn to these recurring symbols. They resonate with our longing for harmony, connection, and the beauty of the natural world. Just as these symbols once graced ancient vases and medieval tapestries, they continue to reappear in contemporary art, forever evolving in meaning, yet forever linked to our collective memory.