Paris, Louis XV period, circa 1750.
STAMPED BY MICHEL CRESSON
Moulded, carved, and painted wood.
STAMP: M. CRESSON, visible on the back of the rear rail of the seat of each chair.
PROVENANCE: Collection of Louis II du Bouchet (1711–1786), 3rd Marquis de Sourches, at the Château d’Abondant where the chairs were inventoried from 1751; collection of his son Louis François (1744–1786), Count of Sourches and Marquis de Tourzel, then collection of the latter’s wife, Louise Élisabeth Félicité de Croy d’Havré (1749–1832), the celebrated governess of the Children of France, created hereditary Duchess of Tourzel in 1816; collection of the Duchess des Cars; then collection of her daughter, Claire Manca-Amat de Vallombrosa (1868–1956), wife of Count Louis Lafond, who sold the château in 1902 but retained the boiseries of the grand salon and the Salon de Pékin as well as the furnishings; thereafter by descent.
