French
Set of Two Armchairs and Four Side Chairs, about 1810-1820
Mahogany, mahogany veneers, and gilded bronze mounts
This set of two armchairs and four side chairs are French. They are sturdy mahogany chairs that are decorated with gilded bronze mounts. The seats and backs are upholstered with a deep burgundy and gold fabric. Woven into the fabric of the backs is a large gold shell and floral motif. The top rails and fronts of the apron are decorated with a leaf motif and have a medallion at the center. The side stiles have circular bronze mounts evenly spaced throughout. The burgundy upholstery of the seat has a large gold floral and leaf motif woven into it. The apron is upholstered in the same burgundy fabric and has a leaf and medallion across the front and sides. The armchairs have graceful curved manchette armrests that are upholstered in the same burgundy fabric. The front legs are turned with knobs at the top and near the bottom. The back legs are plain.
Dutch Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.