French Napoléon III Carved Lion-Head Armchair - 37"

This late 19th-century French fauteuil in ebonized wood has been stripped back to its essentials, revealing a bold silhouette with a square back, generous seat, and open arms that end in finely carved lion heads with slightly parted mouths. The baluster-turned supports echo the turned front legs, while a serpentine X-form stretcher ties the frame together and gives the chair its poised, architectural presence. The surface shows softened highlights and scattered rubs from age, and the upholstery has been removed down to plain canvas and foundation burlap, with only the worn remnants of champagne-colored velvet left on the arm pads, traces that lend the piece a raw, compelling atelier quality. Timeworn overall, with scuffs to the finish and a broken stretcher that remains stable for everyday display, the chair retains strong decorative impact and the expressive charm of a well-loved antique.

This model reflects the historicist style, popular during the Napoléon III and early Third Republic periods, when cabinetmakers embraced a richly eclectic style mixing Renaissance, Baroque, and exotic influences. Lion mascarons, bold turning, and dark ebonized finishes were prized for their gravitas and theatricality, with local woods often stained to imitate costly 17th-century ebony. The X-stretcher and square, architectural profile recall early Louis XIII prototypes, reinterpreted with the late-19th-century taste for dramatic details.

Well suited to a library, study, or entry, it brings sculptural presence and character to both traditional and modern rooms. Leave the raw canvas for an atelier look, or reupholster in mohair, leather, or a restrained linen to emphasize the carving. Use it as a standalone beside a fireplace or in an entryway, or paired with a tall folding screen or a moody floor lamp for a striking decorative tableau.