Louis XIII Chairs

We started with 12 Louis XIII style armchairs made in France in 1990 from old, reclaimed walnut and have 4 remaining. Each chair is priced at $395.00. The age of the walnut is not possible to determine but we believe it is at least 200 years old because of the extraordinarily fine grain and rich patina. Like the 17th century models which inspired them, the construction of these chairs is faithful to the originals, using top-notch joinery designed to last for centuries, rather than modern glues and brackets. As with almost every aspect of the antiques business, serendipity is responsible for our acquisition of these chairs. On one of our buying trips to France we came upon a four-star hotel in Paris during remodeling and were able to purchase the chairs right from their home base. Because they were made so recently from ancient, solid wood, they are sturdy and stable as well as exceptionally comfortable despite years of loyal service in one of Paris’ finest hotels. While this style of chair had its heyday during the reign of Louis XIII, its simplicity, comfort and portability have made it a highly popular and enduring design for the 21st century. In common with its forebears, these modern versions have simple lines with vertical posts running from the stretcher up to the armrest in front and running the entire height of the back. The back posts curve slightly away from the front, between the seat and the top of the back, to ensure maximum comfort. Faithful to the early 17th century design, the vertical members at the back are unadorned while all the other structural members, including the “H” shaped stretchers, are made up of rounded turnings but with rectangular shapes where the structural members join. These chairs offer the ideal mix of comfort, durability, magnificent wood and classic design. Because they were used in hotel rooms they have a few dings and nicks but retain their rustic charm. We offer the chairs as originally upholstered, although in some cases the fabric shows considerable wear and reupholstery is recommended. Gairaud, Yves, Le Guidargus du Meuble Régional (Les Editions de l’Amateur, Paris, 1990); Quette, Anne-Marie, Le Mobilier Français Louis XIII et Louis XIV (Editions Massin, Paris, 1996); Un Temps d’Exubérance, Les Arts Décoratifs sous Louis XIII et Anne d’Autriche, Paris, Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais (Réunion des Musées Nationaux, 2002) These chairs are ideal as occasional chairs in a living room, library, den or foyer. They would also work well in an office, for example, for guests to be seated opposite a desk. For more information, visit M. Markley Antiques on the Web -- the premier resource in the U.S. for French Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival furniture, including Henri II and Louis XIII styles.