A Louis XV giltwood armchairs attributed François-noël Geny Mid 18th Centur

Extremely rare pair of Lyonnais cabriolet armchairs from the Louis XV period with a cane bottom, in carved molded wood gilded with burnished and amati leaf. Like the wide armchairs with flat backs intended to be leaned against the walls, these armchairs for the middle of the living room have been designed to combine comfort and mobility. Small in size, all in curves and violin counter-curves, their backrest is curved there in order to marry the shape of the back as well as possible, the armrests with cuffs and flared console are with gallant withdrawal, so that these ladies can elegantly smooth their dresses without crumple them. The semi-circular belt extends without interruption to the legs; this one consists of four arched feet punctuated with windings. The seat is fitted with a removable pegged racket matching the curve of the belt. This one, like the backrest, is at the bottom of a cane. The pure line of the barrel is traversed by a fine and generous molding with well-marked sinuosities of wide grooves topped with small flowers carved with rosebuds and peonies at the top of the backrests and in the middle part of the belt crosspiece; as well as at the ridges of the anterior ones. The cane seat is topped with a small padded cushion to optimize its hospitality. The set gives this pair of armchairs a beautiful balance between graceful charm and comfort. It is worth noting the great care given to the linking elements of irreproachable quality. Balance, nervousness and elegance are the most appropriate terms for this very beautiful pair of cane-bottomed seats of very good quality. Lyonnais work from the second part of the 18th century attributed to François-Noël Geny around 1765-1770. GENY François-Noël was received as a master carpenter by patent in Lyon in 1773. He practiced in Lyon for more than fifty years at place de Roanne then rue Pisse-Truye. A seat created by the hand of this master cabinetmaker from Lyon can be recognized at a glance. All of them, from the subtle game all in curves and counter-curves, to the voluble armrests without forgetting the consoles in whiplash or the boldness of the moldings enhanced by a subtle work of sculptures combined with the facts attested that Geny only signed one or two seats of an ensemble attest to its paternity. All of these criteria are present on the pair of armchairs that we offer; attesting to this fact of their certain attributions to this Lyon master. Beautiful state of preservation, woodwork without grafts or finger joints, original caning racket frames. Restoration of use and maintenance, in particular cleaning and slight reworking of the gilding. It should be noted that this model of small middle seat with cane bottom is very rare, all the more so in gilded wood. Dimensions: height 93cm, height from seat to racket 40.5cm to cushion 52cm – width at hands 59cm.