Title
Chair with the backrest in the shape of a hot-air balloon
Caption
Jean-Baptiste Demay (1759-1848), master cabinetmaker, in 1784
Chair with the back in the shape of a hot-air balloon
Around 1783
Mahogony (90 x 59 x 60 cm)
Muller-Quênot Collection
Former Wildenstein collection.
Info+
The backrest in the form of a balloon with an adorned ribbon suspended by a medallion, carved with the initials "PJ." The carved armrests are connected to the base of the seat frame decorated a soft green, finished with tapered chair legs marked twice with JB DEMAY.
In the second half of the 18th century, craftsmen took their inspiration from historical events in order to satisfy clients with a taste for the latest fashions.
The Montgolfier brothers' first flight on 19th September 1783 was a key event that lead to an explosion of productions by watchmakers, faience artists and jewellers to reflect the extraordinary event. It was the cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Demay who created this brilliant design on the backrests of chairs and seats.
It is interesting to note that in 1784 a series of twelve chairs with this design were delivered to Marie-Antoinette for her personal use in the château des Tuileries.
Date
1783
Credit line
Photo12/Association Muller Quenot Rosheim
Reference
MQR10A00_117
License type
Rights managed
Available size
57,3Mb (2,5Mb) / 13,3in x 16,7in / 3989 x 5024 (300dpi)