Voyeuse

‘Voyeuse’ chair After the death of the French King Louis XIV, the French aristocracy, tired with pomposity and stiffness of court ceremonial changed their lifestyle, preferring salons that emerged in Paris in large numbers. In comfortably furnished interiors, social and intellectual life flourished during the French Regency and Rococo periods in an intimate atmosphere. The 18th century in France saw the introduction and popularisation of new furniture and equipment for daily use, refined but comfortable, and conducive to the social spending of time. The fashion was adopted throughout Europe, and with it, many French names for new types of furniture were introduced and popularised. Undoubtedly, one of them was a chair with the construction of the backrest ending with a shelf at the top, usually upholstered. While sitting backwards and sideways on the chair, one could rest one's elbows or head on the backrest to keep company with the players or watch the course of various games. No wonder that practical Frenchmen called such a chair 'voyeuse', translated as a peeping lady. The fashion for 'voyeuse' chairs dominated in the years 1740-1780. As can be seen on the presented object, they were also used in the 19th century, which liked to imitate old styles and periods (see also S.3102MŁ). Teresa Bagińska-Żurawska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9243-3967