Did you know that the French have more than two dozen different names for antique armchairs? The variations of antique French armchairs are amazing, and we could write volumes about it. But let’s face it, this is a blog, not an encyclopedia! One of our favorite antique French armchairs is the bergère, which we’ll be highlighting today.
An antique bergère is a French armchair with closed arms, resembling an English wing back chair. (This contrasts with the fauteuil, open under the armrests.) Of course, the French had to give it a special name ~ as fond of chairs as the French are. There are bergères en gondole, bergères en confessional, bergères ponteuse, and many more!
The antique bergère is a unique French design dating back to the Regence period. Examples can be painted, gilded, carved, stained, or a combination thereof. Some were sumptuously upholstered while others were caned. The bergère can feature a wood frame elegantly carved in Regence, Louis XV or Louis XVI styles. Upholstered models have backs and seats covered in fabric, sometimes including a seat cushion.
Bergères from either the Directoire, Empire or Louis Philippe period where usually void of carving and were frequently made of mahogany, walnut or fruitwood. The Empire and Directoire versions were many times accented with ormolu mounts. The bergère owes its popularity to its legendary comfort and the renowned elegance of French design. Boasting ornamental lines, sculpted or curved back, they are occasionally overstuffed and always a comfortable and inviting place to rest.
Boasting their original painted finish, this excellent pair of Louis XVI bergeres was hand-carved from solid walnut in intricate and detailed patterns typical to the style, such as the quatrefoil overlay gadrooning, acanthus leaf flourishes, rosettes, tapered and fluted columns, egg & dart molding and floral sprays. Each has been newly upholstered in a high-quality raw silk that beautifully blends with the bergeres’ original finish. Circa 1890s. (As of this writing, the matching vanity bench and three side chairs are also available, all upholstered in the same beautiful silk!)
This is one of a pair of bergeres we found on our last buying trip, and is opulently upholstered in fine velvet, making the pair as beautiful as it is comfortable. Hand-carved walnut frames styled in the manner of Louis XVI have been painted and the finish has achieved a lovely patina over the decades. Circa 1890s.
Discover the incredible selection of antique French and Italian armchairs, fauteuils and bergeres of all types on our website ~ www.inessa.com, and have a great weekend!
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