Compiègne - Furniture Of The Emperor, Pair Of Louis XVI Period Mahogany Lyre Chairs By Deshayes

A rare pair of lyre chairs in finely carved solid mahogany, the backs supported by fluted columns, and carved with acanthus leaves, rows of pearls, rosettes, and a shell motif. These chairs are truly exceptional due to the finesse and precision of the carving, entirely done by hand. One chair bears the Deshayes stamp, both chairs are branded with the mark of the Palace of Compiègne (a crowned C), and one chair is branded with the mark ME (Mobilier de l'Empereur). These are Louis XVI period pieces, dating from 1785-90. Louis Deshayes was a Parisian chair maker of the 18th century, who became a master in 1756 and remained active until the French Revolution. His work is rare and little documented. However, they are of very high quality, like our Jacob chairs of a similar model that we presented in the past: https://www.gslr-antiques.com/fr/boutique/sieges/paire-chaises-lyre-acajou-jacob.php The Palace of Compiègne, a Royal and then Imperial residence, enjoyed particular favor with French sovereigns until the end of the Second Empire. The ME mark is rarer; it stands for "Mobilier de l'Empereur" (Emperor's Furniture), for use in Imperial Palaces, attesting to an Imperial provenance for our chairs. They likely represent the refurnishing of the Palace of Compiègne during the Second Empire, under the instructions of Empress Eugénie, who favored refined Louis XVI furniture, reminiscent of Queen Marie Antoinette's taste. They are in very good condition, with minor damage to the mahogany (one shell has been restored). For their complete restoration, we chose to retain the horsehair stuffing and a freshly applied French polish that highlights the mahogany. For the upholstery, we opted for a black horsehair fabric woven by hand on traditional looms. This luxurious fabric is now produced by only one company in France and worldwide. Width: 44cm Depth: 43cm Seat height: 43cm Backrest height: 87.5cm