Desk chair (Fauteuil de bureau)

Unknown

ca. 1750 · Carved walnut; leather upholstery, brass nails · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This type of comfortable chair, known in French as a fauteuil de cabinet or a fauteuil de bureau, was introduced during the eighteenth century specifically for use behind a desk. With its high wrap-around back, the sitter would straddle the front leg with his legs apart. Etienne Meunier (master ca. 1732), is known for the production of such seats. His innovation was to arrange the legs not in the usual square manner but rather in a diamond-shape by placing one leg in front, thereby optimizing the chair’s stability. Displaying beautiful serpentine lines, the frames of Meunier’s desk chairs are often sparingly embellished with carved foliage scrolls and flowers. The two hinged arm pads open up to a small hidden compartment for the storage of personal items. The chair has kept its original leather upholstery.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1750

Medium

Carved walnut; leather upholstery, brass nails

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Duveen Brothers, 1921