Armchair (part of a set) 1749 - 1761

This armchair, crafted by Nicolas-Quinibert Foliot, invites us to consider the cultural memory embedded within its form and decoration. Note the recurring motif of the bird amidst lush foliage. Birds, historically, symbolize freedom, the soul, and divine messengers, often bridging the earthly and spiritual realms. Observe how this avian symbol transcends cultures and epochs. In ancient Egyptian art, birds, particularly falcons, were associated with gods like Horus, representing protection and kingship. Here, in 18th-century France, the bird takes on a more decorative, pastoral connotation, yet it retains a connection to themes of aspiration and transcendence. The floral patterns, too, speak of nature's abundance, mirroring a longing for an idealized, harmonious world. This visual language, deeply rooted in our collective subconscious, continues to evoke emotional responses tied to hope, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life. The armchair thus becomes a vessel carrying these enduring symbols, inviting us to reflect on their cyclical return and evolution across time.