Fauteuil c. 1785

This "Fauteuil," or armchair, was made by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené in France during the late 18th century, using carved wood, gesso, gold leaf, and silk upholstery. The wooden frame, likely beech, would have been meticulously shaped, then coated with gesso – a plaster-like preparation that creates a smooth surface for gilding. The application of gold leaf is a skilled and laborious process, transforming the ordinary into something precious. Notice the ornate details, from the delicate floral crest to the fluted legs; these were achieved through expert carving. The silk upholstery, with its intricate patterns, speaks to the textile industry of the time, dependent on specialized looms and skilled weavers. Consider the vast amount of labor that went into producing this chair: from forestry, to textile manufacture, to artisanal carving. The chair embodies the culture of elite consumption, yet also depended on the work of many anonymous hands. By recognizing the value of these materials, processes, and historical context, we gain a greater understanding of this beautiful object.