Title
A Henri IV Style Walnut Fauteuil
Creator
Date
late 19th century
Description
A Henri IV style walnut fauteuil (armchair) (French, 19th century) with a rectangular padded back and seat with spiral turned arms, legs, and stretchers. The arms terminate in racist "Blackamoor" head carvings with exaggerated features. The upholstered sections are covered in wine-colored velvet accented with tassels. The back centers on a gold threaded stumpwork coat of arms comprising a shield beneath a coronet. The lower section of the shield has a rampant dragon, the upper section depicts an eagle. The whole is raised on four legs, the front two are connected by a cross-stretcher and all four are connected by H-stretchers. The front legs and stretchers are spiral turned while the rear legs are straight block form.
The use of Blackamoor imagery in decorative art emerged as an artistic response to the Moorish occupation of Europe in the Middle Ages. The motif exoticizes the Black body and figures used in the form are often depicted in positions of servitude, personifying false notions of racial superiority. The use of Blackamoor imagery became increasingly popular in European luxury items in the 18th and 19th centuries as the countries there grew as colonial powers.
The use of Blackamoor imagery in decorative art emerged as an artistic response to the Moorish occupation of Europe in the Middle Ages. The motif exoticizes the Black body and figures used in the form are often depicted in positions of servitude, personifying false notions of racial superiority. The use of Blackamoor imagery became increasingly popular in European luxury items in the 18th and 19th centuries as the countries there grew as colonial powers.
Cultural Origin
French
Medium
walnut
velvet upholstery
Extent
37.5" x 25" x 20.5"
Collection
Source
Gift of Mrs. Russell B. Aitken, 1977.
Identifier
PSNC.2615
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.