Rare Pair of Period French Louis XVI His and Hers Bergère Armchairs, Circa 1780

This Louis XVI period giltwood firescreen is a rather unique find. Typically firescreens from this period (the late 1700’s) were produced with a tapestry or needlepoint body; this particular piece has a solid colored (gold) silk upholstery screen which meshes well with the giltwood frame. Firescreens were used during warmer months to cover the opening of the fireplace. The detachable crest (which can be removed to replace or reupholster the screen) has bell shaped finials on the shoulders that are connected by a raised carving. These elements are surrounded by slightly spiral gadrooning. Beneath the crest is a repeating laurel leaf motif that runs all the way around the border. The ornamentation is double sided. Louis XVI firescreens...

Originally an overdoor from a boiserie room at a French chateau, this large architectural was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period, circa 1790. The overdoor is roughly rectangular, with the exception of the stepped bottom molding, which would have been necessary to fit over the door frame. In the center of the overdoor is a classical urn adorned with imbricated disks and gadrooning and topped with a pinecone finial. The vessel is surrounded by an ovate border embellished with bead and reel, an oval floret, scrolls, and foliage. Two bundled leaf swags emanate from the top of the medallion, flowing in opposite directions, with crinkled ribbon loosely twirled around the greenery. An additional crinkled ribbon is wrapped around the garland just before the swag feeds through a hoop and turns downwards. Prominent molding with several thick layers surrounds the low-relief carvings, providing a nice border to the architectural panel. The wood has been painted a grayish-green color, sometimes referred to as “French gray”, which is a very neutral color that can be paired with many interior color palettes. Our Louis XVI painted overdoor...