Jacob Desmalter - Imperial Mahogany And Silk Prelle Armchair - Circa 1810

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Armchair
Mahogany and mahogany veneer
Stamped on the rear crosspiece JACOBD D. / R. MESLEE
Dimensions : H. 91 ; H. of seat ; W. 56 ; D.  58 (cm.)
Paris, circa 1810

Very astonishing English-style armchair, with frame, in finely carved mahogany. It stands on four Etruscan-style feet. Concave front belt. Fluted column armrests and scrolled armrests with water leaves. Cross-shaped backrest. This chair is stamped François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter (1803 - 1813) and was originally delivered for a Salon of the Ministry of Finance, as shown on the parcel label. It is a counterpart to another kept at the Mobilier National, inventory GMT-29726-001.

Finance under Napoleon
Located in the Hôtel de Lionne, the Ministry of Finance was a powerful reforming body of Napoleon's regime. Gaudin, Duc de Gaëte, headed this portfolio and was responsible for numerous economic innovations, including the introduction of the Germinal franc. He was also appointed economic reformer for occupied territories such as Genoa and present-day Belgium.

Condition report: period-style waxed varnish finish, period frame and upholstery, covered with nankin and black gourgouran from Lyon silk manufacturer Prelle. Minor wear and tear.