George I walnut open arm chair
George I walnut open arm chair
6233
A fine George I walnut open arm chair on cabriole legs and hoof feet circa 1710. Upholstered in archive Colefax & Fowler fabric.
George I furniture, dating from 1714 to 1727 during the reign of King George I of Great Britain, marks the transition from the ornate Baroque style to the more refined early Georgian aesthetic. Influenced by classical motifs and the earlier Queen Anne style, George I furniture is characterised by its elegant simplicity, symmetry, and restrained ornamentation.
Craftsmen of the period favoured walnut wood, often inlaid with intricate veneers, and introduced innovations like cabriole legs and pad feet. The designs emphasised comfort and functionality while maintaining a dignified appearance. Decorative elements were more subtle than in previous eras, with modest carvings, shell motifs, and scrollwork.
George I furniture also reflects the influence of foreign styles, particularly from the Dutch and Chinese, seen in the popularity of lacquered surfaces and chinoiserie designs. This period laid the foundation for the subsequent Georgian style, blending classical elegance with practicality, and remains highly regarded by collectors and historians for its craftsmanship and transitional design.
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