19th Century Regence Tabouret in Carved Walnut by A. Dubois, Le Mans, France

Hand-carved from rich walnut wood in France during the 1800s, this Regence-style tabouret has a production stamp under the seat that reads “A. Dubois Sculpteur-Ebeniste Le Mans”. The Regence was a transitional period in French history, sandwiched between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV. By examining the legs of the tabouret, one can see that Monsieur Dubois has incorporated elements from both periods.

Four hoof feet (which were found on furniture from Louis XIV) can be seen beneath cabriole legs adorned with roquillards (both trademarks of Louis XV furniture). At the top of each gentle S-curved leg is a gadrooned leaf with a foliate margent crown. All four sides have been embellished with a scalloped shell medallion (another Louis XV integration) graced with floral margents. The rich, brown color of the walnut pairs nicely with the earthy colors of the beautiful needlepoint upholstery, which features a beige and brown sinuous, barbed border surrounding a cluster of golden fruit above a scalloped shell. Floral margents fill the remaining space under the border, which is surrounded by a foliate arabesque of blue, green, brown, yellow, and red. Because the Regence tabouret incorporates elements from multiple periods, it can be paired with an armchair of just about any style, from Louis XIV to contemporary offerings. A. Dubois was a highly skilled 19th century wood worker, who was able to create 18th century-inspired pieces with all the finesse and panache as the models created 100 years prior. The tabouret seen here is a perfect example of the French Regence style.