Pair of armchairs (part of a set) 1830 - 1840

Filippo Pelagio Palagi created this pair of armchairs as part of a larger set, using carved and inlaid wood with fabric upholstery. This furniture provides insight into the world of early nineteenth-century Italian aristocracy and the revival of classical styles. The chairs reflect the influence of ancient Roman designs, aligning with a broader European interest in antiquity. Such styles served as a visual code representing power, taste, and a connection to a glorious past. The ornate carvings and rich upholstery suggest that these chairs were made for a wealthy household. The social conditions in Italy at this time were marked by political upheaval and the rise of nationalism. Aristocrats and other wealthy elites used art and design to express their identities and to align themselves with a specific vision of cultural and political order. By studying estate inventories, design pattern books, and other archival material, we can learn more about the social and institutional contexts of this artwork, and the cultural values it embodies.