A pair of carved giltwood fauteuils à chassis by Philippe-Joseph Pluvinet, late Louis XV, circa 1755

each with a cartouche shaped padded back above padded downscrolled arms and serpentine drop-in seat on cabriole legs and scrolled feet, the frame carved with rocaille, and acanthus on a cross-hatched ground, both rear-rails stamped to the underside P. Pluvinet

Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle, Paris, 2002, p.709, fig. a (Didier Aaron, Paris), illustrates one armchair. 

These elegant fauteuils are in very good conserved condition. They have been regilt, and there are very minor chips to the gilding that can be easily retouched. The construction of the armchairs is sound and sturdy, and they have been tastefully upholstered in green silk recently.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Philippe-Joseph Pluvinet received master 1754.

Pluvinet was one of the most distinguished Parisian menuisiers working in the second half of the 18^thcentury. He was based in the Rue de Cléry and his career spanned the transition from the final phase of the rococo to the strict neoclassicism of the early Directoire period and although the majority of his output is in the Louis XVI or transitional style, he did produce examples in the late Louis XV idiom as seen in this elegant pair of fauteuils. 

The fauteuil à châssis was an important technical innovation in French chair design of the 18^th century that entailed upholstering the seat, back and armrests with removable frames.This facilitated altering the upholstery design in accordance with changes not only in taste but also in the seasons, using heavier fabric covering for winter and cooler caned seats and backs in summer.