17th Century Louis XIII Armchair
17th Century Louis XIII Armchair
A chair with presence, and just the right amount of swagger. This 17th-century Louis XIII armchair, constructed of rich walnut, balances baroque drama with a stripped-down ease that makes it feel surprisingly modern. The frame shows off its sculptural qualities in the bold scroll of the arms, the rhythmic turning of the legs, and the architectural stretcher, which meets at center with a carved acorn finial—a small but decisive flourish. The walnut has deepened with centuries of use, its patina a quiet counterpoint to the crisp new upholstery: a handsome gray linen with tape trim and a line of brass nailheads tracing the seat and back. What could have read as heavy instead feels sharp and contemporary, a 400-year-old classic reinvented with the lightest touch. Perfect by a fireplace, anchoring a library corner, or standing on its own as a singular statement, it’s the sort of chair that holds court without trying.