Gondola-shaped Mahogany Armchair, First Empire Period, Carved With Palmettes And Flowers

RARE MAHOGANY AND VENEER GONDOLA-SHAPED ARMCHAIR, FIRST EMPIRE PERIOD;
THE EMPIRE STYLE BEGAN AROUND 1803-1815 AND SUCCEEDED THE DIRECTOIRE STYLE.
THE CURULE SEAT, THE SEMICYCLE BACK, AND THE GONDOLA CHAIR WERE PRIVILEGED ELEMENTS OF FURNITURE UNDER THE DIRECTOIRE. THEY CONTINUED THEIR HOUR OF GLORY UNDER THE EMPIRE.
CHARLES PERCIÉ (1764-1838) AND PIERRE FONTAINE, NOTICED BY NAPOLEON, DESIGNED AND CARRIED OUT MAJOR WORKS IN PARIS, ON THE RUE DE RIVOLI, THE LOUVRE, THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE, AND CHÂTEAUX. IN THE SECOND EMPIRE, AT NAPOLEON'S REQUEST, FURNITURE OF THIS STYLE
These chairs are built of mahogany and veneer, generally from the Dominican Republic.
They are characterized by simple and elegant forms, based on designs by Charles Percier and often executed by Jacob Desmalter. Our gondola armchair was upholstered in worn silk fabric, which has been removed to reveal its seat and back made of horsehair, pending the replacement of a suitable fabric.
The saber-shaped legs display carvings of palmettes and stylized flowers.
The elegant armrests extend from the front legs and gracefully curve into the back. The molding is in a semicircle. ROUNDED AT THE TOP OF THE BACKREST AND DELICATELY SCULPTED AT ITS END, THE EXCEPTIONAL WORKMANSHIP OF THIS ARMCHAIR SUGGESTES THE WORK OF JACOB DESMALTER.