Tete-a-tete

Tête-à-tête was created by J. H. Belter in New York, New York, America during the years of 1850-60. It is made out of a combination of varies woods such as Rosewood, ash, pine, and walnut. Belter was know and is still known for his laminated and carved Rococo Revival rosewood parlor suites. His method of steaming several layers of wood glued together resulted in thin strong and curved pieces that could be carved. This chair was inspired by eighteenth-century French sources. Tête-à-tête consists of C- and S- curves and scrolls, curved cabriole legs, and carved ornamented flowers. This chair also known as confident was used for one on one discrete conversation.Made during the same time period Étagère is similar to tête-à-tête with its scroll shaped legs and S- and C- shaped scroll carvings. Tête-à-tête holds a high contrast to the Le Corbusier Petit Loveseat which also is for seating two people, but it neither has the intimacy desired in the tête-à-tête, nor the ornamented carvings and intricate detailing of the wood frame.