Louis XVI Bergère
France
18th Century
Gilded wood
Cm 114 high x 72 wide x 53 deep
The cocoon-like design of this 18th century French wing chair, or "bergère à oreilles" (with ears) within which the sitter is enclosed by upholstered arms topped with characteristic “wings” goes back to the very cold northern Europe of the 1600s. This form of chair was developed (early versions were made of simple wood, later ones more comfortably upholstered) to be placed in front of a roaring fire, its particular shape meant to keep the sitter warm by protecting him or her from chilling drafts. Pleasing to the eye and also practical, you can upholster this fine example with its hand carved giltwood in any fabric you choose to match your interior design scheme.
