Pair of Historicism Mahogany Armchairs, c. 1880

This pair of antique mahogany armchairs from the Historicism period dates from the second half of the 19th century and unites the rich formal diversity typical of this era with the solid craftsmanship of European furniture joinery.

The chairs are crafted entirely from solid mahogany, whose warm reddish brown coloration comes fully to effect again through the restoration. Characteristic is the pierced balloon backrest with curved, finely profiled frame bars and carved decorative knots at the connection points. The armrests terminate in curved, carved end pieces, softly modeled at the transitions to the apron structure. The legs are worked in the cabriole style typical of Historicism, curved, with carved knee relief and tapered scroll feet. Seat and back upholstery are freshly recovered with a black and white striped fabric, whose clear pattern effectively contrasts the warm mahogany tone of the frames.

In the living room these chairs function as reading chairs or side chairs at a 19th century mahogany dining table as convincingly as in a modern furnished room, where the contrast between historical frame and the restrained striped fabric can be deliberately deployed. As a coordinated pair they are particularly suited to symmetrical arrangements in salons, reception rooms or representative offices.

Restored in our workshop in Darmstadt. The mahogany frame has been cleaned, reinforced and hand polished. The upholstery has been completely renewed, seat surface and backrest reworked and fitted with the new covering fabric.

Dimensions: H 99 x W 69 x D 70 cm (H 39.0 x W 27.2 x D 27.6 in); seat height 40 cm (15.7 in)
Material: Solid mahogany, upholstery fabric (new)
Period: Historicism, circa 1870 to 1890
Condition: Professionally restored

Viewing at our antique house in Darmstadt, Germany, or worldwide shipping available.