Side chair (one of a pair) (part of a set) 1770 - 1785

This side chair was crafted by Georges Jacob in the late 18th century, a period of neoclassical revival, using gilded wood and fabric. Observe the floral motifs that adorn the chair. Flowers have long been symbols of beauty, love, and transience, echoing themes of vanitas in art where beauty contrasts with the fleeting nature of life. But consider how this motif has been a continuous thread through art history, from ancient Egyptian funerary garlands to the Renaissance depictions of Flora, the Roman goddess of springtime. It is evident that the floral ornament carries a psychological weight. These symbols tap into our collective memory, engaging our emotions and desires. The chair, therefore, isn’t just a piece of furniture but a vessel of cultural memory. The motifs have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, demonstrating the cyclical nature of symbols in art.