French Alps Chair

France, 19th Century

$395

In the mountain villages of France a chairmaker often cut a heart into the back of a chair, a piece of folk decoration that turned a plain seat into something made with affection. Found in Normandy and dating to the 19th century, it is a country chair with a solid plank seat, turned front legs, and a shaped back rail pierced with a heart, its corners braced with old iron repairs. The cut heart was as useful as it was pretty, a handhold to pull the chair out from the table, and a motif found on country chairs all through the Alps and the villages of the east. Sylvie sets it at a small desk, or stands it in a corner as a chair to be looked at as much as used.

Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.

Age:: 19th Century
Country of Origin:: France
Material:: Wood with metal hardware
Dimensions:: 32.5" H x 15.25" W x 15.0" D

Notes from Sylvie:

Dear collector, as with many antiques, this piece may show signs of its age, including subtle repairs, a bit of movement, cracks, scratches, small holes, and surface variation from years of use. The finish is worn in all the right places and the chair is remarkable sturdy considering its age.

All items are final sale.