Massant / Chairs without Arms / DT2

Reproduction of antique model. Pierced back Directoire chair, circa 1795. Original: set of 4 chairs owned by a Belgian antiquarian.

This chair is characterised by the scrolling of the back upright, its pierced panel in the centre of the back and its straight, tapered front legs. The lyre and star dear to Directoire style ornament the openwork centre splat.

Directoire Style Carrying on from the Louis XVI style, but also inspired by the Etruscans and Romans; starting around 1787, but flourishing in its own right under the French Revolution, thanks to the painter David. This style ended with the Consulate and Empire styles, inspired by the Romans and then by ancient Egypt.