Lot 1197: * A pair of Transition-style Michalon armchairs by Ateliers Allot Paris represents a sophisticated

A pair of Transition-style Michalon armchairs by Ateliers Allot Paris represents a sophisticated bridge between the curved exuberance of the Louis XV period and the structured neoclassicism of Louis XVI. Meticulously handcrafted from solid beechwood, the frame features a gently curving cabriolet backrest—a physically concave design intended to cradle the sitter—providing ergonomic support while maintaining a light, elegant silhouette. Taking its name from the Michalon heritage model, the design is defined by its “aesthetic tug-of-war,” capturing the exact moment in the 1770s when French fashion shifted toward architectural discipline. A defining characteristic of the Michalon is the “whiplash” armrest supports, which sweep forward in a fluid, organic S-curve to meet the seat rail. This lingering Rococo motion is harmonised with the burgeoning Louis XVI style through turned and fluted arrow feet (pieds en flèche), which lend a sense of height, direction, and neoclassical refinement to the base. True to the house’s status as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV), every decorative element is hand-carved in the Allot workshops. The complex “houselled” joinery—where the curved armrest meets the straight, fluted seat rail—requires the mastery of a Master Seat-maker to ensure a seamless transition between two distinct geometric styles. The interior utilises traditional steel sprung upholstery, an ancestral method where hand-tied springs are set into jute webbing and layered with natural fillings. This technique ensures a “living” comfort and structural longevity far exceeding modern alternatives. Ultimately, as a completely handmade piece, the Michalon reflects the mastery of the eight traditional trades preserved under one roof, representing a technically accurate reproduction of a 1770s masterwork. Each chair measures 37 inches (94 cm) in height, 26 inches (67 cm) in width, and 22 inches (56 cm) in depth.

. Established in 1812 and currently led by the eighth generation of the Allot family, Ateliers Allot is a premier French institution dedicated to the mastery of fine cabinetmaking and art furniture. As a recipient of the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label, the house is recognized by the French state for its rare and ancestral artisanal excellence. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted in their Brittany workshops and sourced directly from their Paris showroom on Rue de Vaugirard, offering a level of authenticity and unique artistry that stands in stark contrast to the mass-produced reproductions often found in the modern market. [Loc FR764]