Pair of side chairs

Art Historical Context

These exquisite pair of side chairs, by the renowned Parisian menuisier Jean-Baptiste Iilliard in the mid-18th century, the opulent Rococo style of Louis XV France. Tilliard, a masterer active in Paris, specialized in finely carved furniture for the aristocracy, and these chairs feature intricate floral motifs—evident in their delicate wood carvings—painted for added vibrancy and upholstered in luxurious silk. Measuring about 34-35 inches tall, their graceful proportions and subtle asymmetry made them ideal for intimate salon seating, where conversation and refinement reigned. The Rococo movement, flourishing in mid-18th-century Paris, emphasized playful ornamentation over the grandeur of Baroque, with naturalistic flowers symbolizing the era's delight in nature and elegance. Tilliard's technique of deep carving followed by painting highlighted the wood's grain while protecting it, a hallmark of high-end ébénisterie (cabinetmaking). These chairs reflect the craftsmanship of royal workshops, blending functionality with artistic flourish. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, thanks to the 1948 bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, they offer a tangible glimpse into Versailles-era luxury, inviting visitors to imagine the rustle of silk gowns in a candlelit French interior.