Jacob Freres Armchair Empire Period Mahogany Imperial Stamp Early 19th Century

François Honoré Georges Jacob DESMALTER (1770-1841) Armchair Mahogany and mahogany veneer on beech Pegged joints Stamped on the front rail Jacob Frères Rue MESLEEP Paris, circa 1796 - 1803 Dimensions: H. 93 x 63 x 53 cm Large armchair entirely made of mahogany and mahogany veneer, resting on tapered and saber legs, with a slightly convex seat rail, and smooth back and armrest supports. The whole is upholstered in the traditional style with horsehair on webbing, covered in velvet cloth. Unfortunately, our chair no longer has its delivery label (the trace is visible) which could have identified the person who commissioned it. A work of the firm JACOB FRERES Our armchair, stamped on the front rail, was made by the most famous joinery and cabinetmaking workshop of the early 19th century. The Jacob Frères company was the main supplier to the Imperial Furniture Repository. Our armchair can be compared to a small series delivered for a Ministry and for the Élysée Palace (see the last two photographs) bearing the numbers INV GMT-13482-000 and GMT-29662-000, both held at the Mobilier National (National Furniture Collection). The Jacob brothers were the sons of Georges Jacob, one of the greatest chair makers of the 18th century. After training them, he left them his workshop in 1796. Georges Jr. and François-Honoré founded the Jacob Frères company on Rue Meslée, manufacturing furniture and seating in the Directoire and Consulate styles. Given their success, Georges interrupted his retirement to help his son furnish the imperial residences of Napoleon I. The Jacob dynasty continued its activity under the Empire and the Restoration as a supplier of Imperial and Royal furniture. Condition report: The woodwork is sound and very stable. There is no play in the joints. The velvet upholstery has been repaired and is in very good condition. The chair frame would need to be refinished or waxed. Delivery: Contact me for a precise quote