Set Of Four Rare Queen's Armchairs In Golden Wood Stamped Tilliard

Set of four rare queen's armchairs in gilded and carved wood with bréttés decorations on the whole frame, foliage on the shoulders. The central cross member of the seat and the upper cross member of the backrest are decorated with a bubble clip. The shape of the backrest and the seat are made of curves and counter-curves. Each of the armchairs rests on four arched legs surmounted by pleated fans. The backs of the seats on the back are engraved with shell decorations. Elegant modern trim Stamped Tilliard Circa 1750-1760 Usual restorations, gilded seats H. 98 x W. 67 x D. 58 cm All four armchairs are stamped "Tilliard". This stamp refers to a very famous line of Parisian carpenters. It was used by Jean-Baptiste I (1686-1766), by his brother Nicolas (1676-1752) and by his son Jean-Baptiste II (1723-1798). Between these three members of this illustrious family, it is difficult to attribute the work of each. We must therefore take a closer look at the dates and stylistic elements that would allow a more precise attribution. For that, we must first of all present the craftsmen whom we quote. Jean-Baptiste Tilliard I was active very early in the 18th century: he received his master's degree in 1717. His workshop was of great importance (eleven established). He acquired the title of "master carpenter of the Garde Meuble du Roi" and thus delivered the crown, but also the Prince of Soubise, the Duke of Antin, the Duke of Sully, the Count of Evreux, the Duchesses of Parma and of Mazarin, etc. He was then considered to be one of the best craftsmen of his generation. He was joined by his son Jean Baptiste Tilliard II on the occasion of his apprenticeship. He became master in 1752. From that date to the death of his father in 1766, he worked with him and under his orders. Then, he took over the workshop entirely and inherited the title of "carpenter of the King's Furniture Guard". His clientele remains particularly prestigious even if he provides less the crown than his predecessor, his talent is still as much in demand. He died in 1798. The work of these two carpenters is undeniably linked. They were very active in the evolution of the Louis XV style. However, our armchairs are quite late in what is called the Rocaille style. We can therefore eliminate the attribution to Nicolas Tilliard since he died in 1752. In addition, several elements form in a way the signature of John the Baptist I and John the Baptist II. Indeed, the pleated fan located at the top of the feet is dear to their ornamental vocabulary as is the clip located on the central cross member of the seat and the upper cross member of the backrest. Other seats very close to those in our study can help us in an even more precise allocation. Lot n ° 25 of the sale of July 22, 2020 organized by Artcurial presents a suite of six armchairs by Jean-Baptiste Tilliard I. Or, a pair of armchairs attributed to Jean-Baptiste Tilliard II and dated around 1760 even closer to our four seats is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum. In addition, an armchair almost identical to ours by Jean-Baptiste Tillliard II is reproduced in Pierre Kjellberg's work “French furniture of the 18th century” from the sale of November 22, 1987 at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées (number 236). In this way, depending on the general style of the seats, our seats seem close to the end of the Louis XV period and the Rocaille style. These four armchairs are probably the work of Jean-Baptiste Tilliard II. Regardless of the carpenter's attribution, however, it is evident that the quality of this set of chairs is remarkable. It is enough to observe the rich balanced composition of the sculpture, but also the details of engravings of engravings of the reappeared. Sources: Pallot (Bill), The art of the siege in the 18th century in France, A CR-Gismondi Editeurs Kjellberg (Pierre), French furniture of the 18th century, Editions de l'Amateur Janneau (Guillaume), The seats, Vincent Fréal et Cie Editeurs De Salverte (François), Cabinetmakers of the 18th century, F de Nobele Editor Jarry (Madeleine), The French headquarters, Office du livre