A Louis XVI Era Chaise, front 45 view

A Louis XVI Era Chaise,
Probably from Pavlovsk Palace

Date:

circa 1790/1805

Dimensions:

H x W x D – 99 cm x 55,5 cm x 57,5 cm

Designer:

Henri Jacob (1753-1824)

Material, Technique, Restoration Methods:

Solid lime wood, green-gold frame, classic laced upholstery with precisely trimmed horsehair padding in the seat and backrest, silk damask based on the original model from Pavlovsk Palace (hand-woven on the original loom at Jacquard Moscou/Moscow), exquisite trimmings from Declerq.

Delivery:

Free

Price: 8.500,00 €
(Tax included)

Description

This Louis XVI-era chaise is far more than a piece of furniture—it is a remarkable testament to the elegance and refined craftsmanship of the Classicism period. Once believed to have adorned the grand halls of Pavlovsk Palace, this extraordinary piece has been meticulously restored, allowing its storied past and exquisite design to shine once again.

Crafted from solid lime wood and finished in a subtle green-gold tone, the frame reflects the pure, classical lines and balanced proportions characteristic of the Louis XVI style. This understated yet luxurious finish adds a quiet opulence to the chaise’s form, echoing the neoclassical ideals of harmony and restraint.

The upholstery is a masterwork in its own right. The seat and backrest are generously padded with expertly tailored horsehair, providing the supportive comfort associated with the finest 18th-century seating. Beneath the surface, hand-tied springs preserve the chaise’s functionality and enduring comfort. Draped in an opulent silk damask—handwoven at Jacquard Moscow on an original loom and based on an archival Pavlovsk Palace design—the upholstery brings history vividly to life. Elegant trimmings from Declerq complete the piece, lending an additional layer of artisanal refinement.

Rooted in the ideals of Greco-Roman antiquity, the Louis XVI style marked a return to clarity, symmetry, and noble simplicity. This chaise captures those values perfectly, eschewing the excesses of Rococo for a purer, more timeless expression of beauty. With its classical silhouette and restrained ornamentation, it stands as a true embodiment of the Classicism movement.

Whether showcased in a traditional interior or used as a striking contrast in a modern space, this chaise commands attention—not only for its beauty, but for the history and craftsmanship it represents. It is a rare and captivating artifact, offering a direct connection to the grandeur of the 18th century and a timeless elegance that transcends eras.

A Louis XVI Era Chaise, front 45 view

Historical Context

Classicism: The style of Classicism is a phase from the middle of the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century and followed as a counter-movement to the Baroque and Rococo eras. The era can be divided into the Louis Seize, Empire, Biedermeier and Regency phases. A key characteristic of this movement is its orientation towards the forms of Greco-Roman antiquity, which were adopted both in architecture and in the design of furniture. A formal canon of strict, clear lines, simple proportions, classical motifs and restrained decoration developed. This style, extremely elegant in its simplicity and with its antique-like forms, has been a source of inspiration ever since and is still used today.