Louis XV Style Parlor Armchair (Fauteuil à la Reine)
Seating (Armchair/Fauteuil) · Louis XV Revival (Rococo Revival), approximately late 19th to mid-20th century. · Likely a European or American manufacturer specializing in French period reproductions (e.g., Baker, Karges, or Kimball).
Type
Seating (Armchair/Fauteuil)
Style Period
Louis XV Revival (Rococo Revival), approximately late 19th to mid-20th century.
Material
Walnut or stained fruitwood frame, jacquard or brocade fabric, brass/steel casters, padding likely foam or horsehair.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960 based on the upholstery style, finish application, and construction markers.
Dimensions
Height: 38-42 inches, Width: 26-28 inches, Depth: 24-26 inches. Standard for formal parlor seating.
Origin
Likely United States or France; stylized characteristics suggest a 20th-century residential reproduction for formal living rooms.
Designer/Maker
Likely a European or American manufacturer specializing in French period reproductions (e.g., Baker, Karges, or Kimball).
Value Estimate
$150-$350 USD (Fair market value). High cost of reupholstery significantly limits resale price despite the frame's quality.
Description
This elegant Louis XV Style armchair features a classic 'Fauteuil' silhouette with an oval back and open arms. The frame is characterized by fluid Rococo lines, featuring floral carvings at the crest and padded 'manchette' arms for comfort. The cabriole legs end in casters, blending 18th-century aesthetics with 20th-century functionality. Its button-tufted upholstery adds a layer of Victorian-era influence to the French design.
Key Features
Cabriole legs, button-tufting, manchette arm pads, foliate carvings on crest and knees, and wheel casters.
Color & Finish
Medium-to-dark walnut stain with a semi-gloss lacquer or varnish; visible age patina on wood surfaces.
Construction Method
Factory-assisted artisan construction; machine-carved details with hand finishing and traditional frame assembly.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mortise and tenon joinery at the rails; upholstery secured with staples or tacks hidden by gimp trim. Moderate quality.
Wood Grain & Species
Closed-grain wood, likely Walnut or Beech, stained to a rich brown with subtle cathedral patterns on the top rail.
Surface Treatment
Relief carving with leaf and floral motifs on the crest, shoulders, and knees; clear topcoat over stain.
Upholstery Details
Taupe/gold patterned brocade with scalloped motif, button-tufted backrest, padded manchette armrests, decorative gimp trim (braided border).
Hardware & Fittings
Front cabriole legs features small metal wheel casters for mobility on rugs; original to the revival period.
Origin & Provenance
Likely United States or France; stylized characteristics suggest a 20th-century residential reproduction for formal living rooms.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant staining/soiling visible on the seat cushion. Wood frame shows minor scuffs. Structural integrity appears sound.
Interesting Facts
The 'Fauteuil à la Reine' (Queen’s Chair) designation refers to chairs with a flat back, designed to be placed against walls, as opposed to 'en cabriolet' chairs with curved backs meant for the center of a room.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century's fascination with 'Traditional' decor, which symbolized status and European sophistication in the American suburban home.
Similar Pieces
Distinguishable from Louis XVI chairs by its curved lines (Louis XVI used straight, fluted legs); differs from Victorian Rococo by its lighter, more elegant proportions.
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional upholstery steam cleaning for the seat. Wood should be cleaned with oil soap and waxed periodically. Protect from direct UV light to prevent fabric fading.
Value Estimate
$150-$350 USD (Fair market value). High cost of reupholstery significantly limits resale price despite the frame's quality.
Sustainability Notes
A durable, solid wood vintage piece that is highly repairable; represents an eco-friendly alternative to modern 'fast-furniture' disposables.