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Early 19th-century cherrywood dining chairs, restored with upholstered seats in off-white velvet, crafted in the Tuscan woodworking tradition.
What immediately stands out is their scale. To modern eyes they can seem almost petite: the seat is surprisingly compact, with a back that is unusually tall in proportion to the seat. This is not an oddity, but a typical feature of many Tuscan country chairs from the early nineteenth century, made first and foremost to last and to withstand everyday use.
The Directoire influence is recognisable in the sobriety of the lines, yet it is Tuscan craftsmanship that truly defines their character. The back is built with two horizontal rails, with a slightly shaped central splat between them—one of the most distinctive details of this type. The gently tapered front legs lighten the overall form without sacrificing the sturdiness these chairs were expected to provide in daily life.
Cherrywood, among the most commonly used timbers in Tuscan furniture of the period, has developed a warm patina over time that enhances the simplicity of the design. Here, quality lies in balanced proportions, sound construction and the honesty of the material.
Originally these chairs were fitted with traditional woven straw seats. During restoration, they were replaced with upholstered seats covered in off-white velvet, a choice better suited to modern living without altering the character of the set.
Finding a complete set of seven matching chairs from the same period has become increasingly uncommon. Over time, many sets have been dispersed or completed with non-matching pieces; finding one still complete has become increasingly rare.
The chairs have not changed. The way we live with them has. And that is exactly what still makes them relevant today.
- Material: Solid cherry wood
- Size: cm 37 x 42 x 88 h
- Condition: Restored
- Period: Early 19th
- Style: Directoire
- State: Excellent conditions
