Armchair 1786 - 1791

This armchair, made by Beauvais, invites us to consider the intricate dance between power, representation, and comfort in the decorative arts. At first glance, the chair's tapestry might evoke classical allegories of wealth and leisure, yet it also encapsulates the complex social dynamics of its time. The chair embodies the lavish lifestyle of the aristocracy, while the labor-intensive craftsmanship reflects the exploitation of the working class. The depiction of a woman, attended by a servant under an umbrella, evokes a sense of exoticism while reasserting the established social hierarchy. The very act of reclining in this chair becomes a statement, a physical embodiment of privilege. But how might this change if the sitter was a person of color, a woman of intellect, or a member of the working class?