Side chair (one of a pair)
Made by Jean-Jacques Pothier around 1775, these chairs are known as cabriolets. Introduced around 1760, their name derives from a new light one-horse driven carriage, called “cabriolet”. Pothier became master in Paris in 1750. In his workshop, first located in the rue Mazarine and then in the rue de Bourbon, he executed his best pieces in the neoclassical style which are very close to the works by Georges Jacob.
This type of light chair, first mostly used in the apartments of women, was easy to move. The oval-shape back is reminiscent of antique medallions. The straight legs carved with twisted flutes, terminating in peg-top feet and connected to the seat by cubical blocks, are characteristic of the neoclassical taste which was in vogue during Louis XVI’s reign.
This type of light chair, first mostly used in the apartments of women, was easy to move. The oval-shape back is reminiscent of antique medallions. The straight legs carved with twisted flutes, terminating in peg-top feet and connected to the seat by cubical blocks, are characteristic of the neoclassical taste which was in vogue during Louis XVI’s reign.
Artwork Details
- Title: Side chair (one of a pair)
- Maker: Jean-Jacques Pothier (master 1750, working until ca. 1780)
- Date: ca. 1775
- Culture: French
- Medium: Carved and gilded beech, silk moire upholstery
- Dimensions: H. 37-1/8 x W. 20-1/4 x D. 18-3/8 in. (94.3 x 51.4 x 46.7 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1973
- Object Number: 1973.315.2
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1775
Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1765
Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1765
Jean-Baptiste III Lelarge
ca. 1775–80
Multiple artists/makers
1779
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