Pair Of Neo-gothic Ceremonial Armchairs - Solid Walnut - Period: XIXth Century

Superb pair of neo-gothic ceremonial armchairs in solid walnut, entirely airbrushed, giving them a very airy appearance although their structure remains very much framed by the straight lines of the legs, seat and back.  

They both have a very elaborate backrest revealing in their centre a different crest with the coat of arms of two distinct cities.
The first appears to be the "Berlin Bear" and the second is yet to be determined.

Both are sublimated by an ornamentation of luxuriant vegetation of acanthus leaves and fruits.
The armrests represent a couple of medieval characters in traditional dress.
The legs are linked in the middle by an H-shaped brace.

Period : 19th century
Dimensions : Height : 97cm x Width : 60cm 
                      Seat depth : 42cm

Born around 1830 in France, the neo-gothic style is the result of the romantic movement of the early 19th century. 

The Middle Ages, long considered a dark period whose artistic creation seemed barbaric and primitive, became very popular during part of the 19th century.

In France, the publication of Victor Hugo's book "Notre-Dame de Paris" and the creation of a new commission for historical monuments in 1837 confirmed the new interest in the Gothic period, thanks to Violet le Duc and Prospère Mérimée, among others.

Gothic-inspired furniture was very popular with the Parisian intellectual bourgeoisie.