Rare Pair of Late 18th Century Directoire Penwork and Cherrywood Side Chairs, circa 1790.
An exceptional, highly rare, and beautifully preserved pair of late 18th-century European Neoclassical / Directoire period side chairs, dating to circa 1790. Masterfully carved from solid cherrywood, this exquisite pair demonstrates the purest late-18th-century revival of classical antiquity, utilizing the historic Greek Klismos silhouette that heavily influenced early Directoire and continental design.
The sweeping tablet-shaped top rails are adorned with masterfully executed Neoclassical penwork—a painstaking, high-luxury 18th-century decoration technique where intricate black ink detailing is drawn directly over the fine wood surface to simulate delicate copperplate engraving. The lower structure is similarly adorned, featuring a deep seat apron decorated in remarkable pen work The rear stiles transition seamlessly down into sweeping saber legs.
Built using traditional 18th-century joinery techniques, the rear joints remain firmly secured with their original exposed square wooden pegs. The drop-in seats have been newly upholstered in a neutral linen-blend fabric. 
Dimensions
Height: 33.5 in. (85.1 cm)
Width: 18.25 in. (46.4 cm)
Depth: 20.5 in. (52.1 cm)
Seat Height: 18.5 in. (47.0 cm)
Condition:
Good / Very Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Authentic historical patina with minor superficial scuffs, old hairline shrinkage gaps at the joint boundaries, and faint character marks typical of 230-year-old authentic furniture. The structural frame joinery remains remarkably tight, strong, and stable. Drop-in seats have been freshly upholstered in a clean, neutral linen blend.