Single Empire armchair
Nr. 2000 | 2.800,– Euro
Single Empire armchair
France around 1800.
So-called “Bergère”
Solid mahogany with rich fittings in the form of swans in the upper backrest, paw sabots and fan leaves.
Newly upholstered and covered in black horsehair.
The round raised backrest makes it very comfortable and decorative.
Height: 82.5 cm | Seat height: 46 cm
Width: 60 cm
Depth: 52 cm
Price: 2.800,– €
(including 19% VAT that can be claimed back)
Single Empire armchair
An individual “Bergère” is a French armchair that became popular in the 18th century and remained popular into the 19th century. The term “Bergère” means “shepherdess” in French and refers to the original function of the chair, which was used by shepherds to rest and protect themselves from the elements. Later, the term “Bergère” was applied to an elegant, upholstered armchair with high armrests that was suitable for indoor use.
A “Bergère” from France around 1800 would typically be designed in the neoclassical or Empire style. The chair would have a wooden frame structure and would be equipped with upholstered armrests, a padded backrest, and a padded seat. The padding would often be covered with a patterned fabric and could be decorated with buttons or stitching. The armrests would be high enough to support the user’s head, and the backrest would have a rounded shape that comfortably envelops the back.
A “Bergère” was often part of a larger ensemble of furniture and decorations that were all designed in the same style. It was often used in the living area or reception room to create an elegant and refined atmosphere. Nowadays, 18th-century “Bergères” are highly sought-after antique furniture pieces and can be found in antique shops or online.
Classicism and Empire at RSA Wiesbaden
You will find many classical furniture and objects of art from the Empire
in my shop in Wiesbaden. Regine Schmitz-Avila – your classicism and empire specialist for mirrors, tables and art.
