Pair of rare 18th century Swedish Rococo / Gustavian side chairs from the transitional period between late Rococo and early Gustavian Neoclassicism. The molded cartouche backrests retain sinuous Rococo profiling, centered at the crest with carved foliate and floral cluster ornament. The straight seat rails feature carved leaf swags centered on the front apron and square rosette blocks above circular, fluted, and tapered Neoclassical legs terminating in turned feet. The surfaces retain historic scraped and distressed layers of original light grey and off-white paint over exposed chalk gesso and raw timber ground. The seats and padded back panels are fitted with plain linen/muslin foundation upholstery secured along perimeter tacking margins.
Specifications:
Origin: Sweden
Period: Circa 1775–1785
Style: Transitional (Rococo / Gustavian)
Finish: Distressed original painted surface (off-white/grey over gesso and wood)
Condition: Structurally intact with sound frame joinery. Surfaces exhibit historic paint loss, flaking, abrasions, and visible timber exposure consistent with age and scraping. Foundations and webbing remain stable; upholstery represents early under-cloth foundation with localized staining and exposed tack marks.
