Hand-carved circa 1900 in the Regence style, this beautiful pair of armchairs have caramel-colored leather upholstery, forming a visually stunning palette with the rich brown patina of the varnished wood frames. Each chair back, manchette, and shapely cushion has been covered with thickly padded leather, adhering to the maxim of period Regence seating, which was designed for comfort. Numerous brass nailheads not only affix the leather to the frames but also add to the decor.

True to the style of Regence armchairs, the flat backs are highly carved, with a sinuous crest embellished by a floral margent flanked by a pair of S-curves (similar carvings also adorn the bottom of the seatback and the lower frieze). The flowering vines continue on the upper section of the sides, terminating as the rails start to curve inwards. Additional flowers can be seen on the volute handrests, just in front of the small, yet deep manchettes that rest within a large concave carving. Both curvaceous arm stumps flare outwards (originally designed as such to accommodate side hoops and other undergarments popular with 18th-century women’s fashion) and have a large, raised floret on the outside.

Continuing the traditional form of Regence-style seating, the four cabriole legs are slightly out-turned, with volute pad feet. The front legs do not align with the arm stumps, which was often seen on fauteuils of the Regence period. Foliate detailing on the side tails, as well as the flowers seen at the top of the front legs, were also common elements for Regence fauteuils. Our pair of Regence-style armchairs would make wonderful additions to any living room, den, or library.

CONDITION: Very good condition with minor age separations and nicks to the wood frames. Very light rubs to the leather upholstery, which was added more recently.