French Louis XV Cabriolet Armchairs, 1740, Set of 2

Magnificent pair of cabriolet armchairs with violin backs in molded and carved walnut from the Louis XV period. one of which is signed Blanchard. The armchairs have an elegant decoration of flowers and foliage.
One of the two armchairs is stamped Blanchard. When we look a little further at this pair of armchairs, we realize that they have small differences in ornamentation, in fact the work of the stamped armchair is a little finer than that of its double. We can therefore imagine that one of the two armchairs was made by the master and the other by his cabinetmaker student: this would explain why only one of the two is signed.

These armchairs are a wonderful piece of work from the Louis XV period stamped by Nicolas Blanchard. Nicolas Blanchard, from a family of carpenters, and father of the famous Jean Nicolas. Received master in 1738, he established himself on rue de Cléry where he was still mentioned as a carpenter in 1750. The seats bearing his stamp are all Louis XV style in walnut and decorated with rocailles. His two sons, Sylvain Nicolas and Jean Nicolas, will continue the same activity as that of their father. His stamp is Blanchard without first initial.
His work is of great finesse.

France – 18th
Louis XV period

The Louis XV style succeeds the Regency style. It is also called the Rocaille or Rococo style.
The inventors of the Louis XV style are true creators in the modern sense of the term, revolutionizing the way of looking at furniture and interior decoration. In this respect it can be compared to the Gothic style and Art Nouveau in the sense that they represent creation and technical advances in the use of materials.
The Pompadour, transition and Louis XVI styles will succeed the Louis XV style, which will remain an inspiration found in each of these 3 styles.
Many Louis XV style rooms can still be found today in the Palace of Versailles.