Name/Title
Chair, FauteuilContext
There are several chairs in the Neill-Cochran House Museum French Parlor. The largest and, at first glance, plainest of these chairs is a Louis XV-style fauteuil, or armchair, produced in France in the early 19th century. It is upholstered in beige velvet that, while old, is not original.
A fauteuil is a style of armchair characterized by wide-set arms and an open frame. It came to fashion in the mid-18th century during the reign of Louis XV of France. King Louis XV loved intimate salons and redecorated Versailles with furniture designed for versatility and comfort. He surrounded himself with notable women and demanded chairs that could accommodate a noble lady's voluminous skirts.
The Louis XV fauteuil in the NCHM French Parlor was likely made between 1820-1850, a century after the style developed. It was a classic style by then and, for an American family like the Neills or the Cochrans, it would have been a status symbol of wealth and refinement.
The chair was given to the Neill-Cochran House Museum in honor of Mr. Robert W. McClendon. You can see it, and all of our refined artifacts, Wed-Sun 11-4pm.
French, ca, 1820-1850. Louis XVI style armchair with carved wooden frame and old, but not original, beige velvet upholstery trimmed with braid.
Gift of Mr. Robert W. McClendonAcquisition
Accession
1974.01Source or Donor
Mr. Robert W. McClendonAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
In Mem of donor's wife, Mary Olive Titterington of Texarkana