Twee fauteuils 1885 - 1895

Léon Laroche rendered "Twee fauteuils" or "Two Armchairs Louis XV" as part of "Le Garde-Meuble," a collection of designs. These armchair designs reflect the opulence of the Louis XV era, a period known for its extravagance and aristocratic privilege. The floral patterns and ornate detailing speak to the Rococo style that dominated the decorative arts. What wasn't captured here is the heavy presence of social inequality and the rigid class structure that defined the era. Louis XV’s reign was marked by policies that largely ignored the plight of the common people, setting the stage for the social upheaval that was to come. The intimate scale of these armchair designs suggests a focus on personal comfort and luxury, qualities reserved for the elite. As you consider these designs, reflect on the historical context, the stark contrast between the lives of the aristocracy and the experiences of the majority, whose lives were defined by labor and want.