walnut armchair 17th century

A 17th century French walnut armchair from the Dordogne region. The typical baluster shaped legs under a high back with upholstered armrest concealing tray supports. Armchairs as these were reserved for the upper classes. The larger part of people used benches and stools. As the court of Louis XIII and Louis XIV made the demand for luxury furniture rise, their regional counterparts set up local workshops. This type of chair was known as a Fauteuil de Malade or sick chair as a person could take a nap in it or even take their meals when they had trouble moving about. In general it was a typical one of chair custom made for the master of a grand house to rest by the fireplace with a nice burgundy and even a small snack.... This armchair has been reupholstered with reclaimed linnen. The monogram of the linnen was used to make the small cushion.