Set of 4 French Painted Wrought-Iron Garden Chairs, Early 20th Century

A set of four French painted wrought-iron garden chairs dating from the early 20th century. Each has a slender, gently curving frame, an open looped back, and a circular seat woven with flat iron straps in a simple lattice pattern. The legs flare slightly outward and terminate in small flattened feet, giving the chairs their light, almost drawn-in-metal silhouette. Layers of dark green paint, exposed metal and traces of rust have developed into a particularly attractive weathered patina. One chair is subtly broader than the others and differs slightly in its construction; its back also appears to have been altered at some point, perhaps to bring it closer to the rest of the group. The difference is discreet, however, and the four read convincingly as a set.

Some screws are missing around the seat rims, consistent with their age and rustic character. All four chairs are stable and reasonably sturdy, although, as is typical of this type of iron seating, they are better suited to occasional use than prolonged comfort. 

The appeal of the set lies in this balance of delicacy and age. Their slender outlines create a graceful rhythm around a garden table or spread out in different corners of a garden, while the richly worn green-painted surfaces bring texture and an authentic, slightly rustic French character. The subtle differences between the four only reinforce their collected, lived-in quality, suggesting chairs gathered and used together over many years. Note : The chairs are offered as a set of four, though a pair may also be purchased on request.