Armchair in Carved Walnut with Floral Rail and Openwork Back. French Work. 17th-Century

This armchair features an openwork back centred with a wide flat baluster carved with foliage, beneath a high rail decorated with a frieze of rosettes in reserve. The flat armrests, generously overhanging, rest on turned baluster supports; the solid wood seat surmounts a straight apron and a square base joined by a front rail pierced with two rosette flowers. The solid walnut bears a deep, age-old patina.

This typology of armchair, robust and architectural, belongs to French furniture of the 17th century: low-relief carving, baluster turning and pegged joints testify to the work of the Ancien Régime chest-makers. The deep wear of the armrests recounts nearly four centuries of use.

Condition report: Good overall condition given its age. Walnut with an exceptional patina, authentic wear and marks of time, sound structure; a cushion may enhance the solid seat. A piece of history, superb as an occasional armchair near a fireplace or in an entrance.