carved and white painted beechwood, covered with foliate needlework

These elegant chairs are of good quality. The painted decoration is tired and worn in places from use. It is also likely that this surface finish is later or heavily refreshed. There also could be some areas of re-touching. One leg has been detached at some stage and there are traces of glue and a crack to this site. Some of the joints are loose. The chair measures a total height of 94cm, it is 83cm. wide and 58cm, deep. The woven seats are brightly coloured and have some wear from use. A very chic pair.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Antoine Gailliard, became a maître (master) in 1781, a menuisier (carpenter) rather than an ébéniste. Gailliard worked in the late neo-classical transitional style.  Neo-classicism was a departure from the flamboyant asymmetrical style of the rococo, moving towards the visual vocabulary found in Classical art which had been stimulated by recent archaeological discoveries in Italy. Neo-classical designers represented true clarity of form through simpler rectilinear lines. The style was seen in France as early as 1750 when the important French collector, La Live de Jully (1725-1779), furnished a room 'à la grecque', or in the neo-classical style. Gailliard's furniture is regarded as being restrained and elegant in shape with very fine and delicate carving as evidenced in the offered lot. Gailliard has stampe🍸d seat furniture that was designed for Prince de Poix and us✱ed in Versailles, which was sold, Sotheby's Paris, 6 April 2011, lot 191.