Small Mahogany And Mahogany Veneer Sofa From The Empire Period By Bellangé Or The Jacob Brothers

An elegant small Empire-style sofa in mahogany and mahogany veneer, featuring a square back, armrest supports terminating in scrolls, small saber or Etruscan-style legs, and a framed seat. It is upholstered in moss green velvet. In its overall form, it recalls the work of Pierre-Antoine Bellangé, a great 19th-century cabinetmaker on par with the Jacob brothers, or indeed, the Jacob brothers themselves (see last two photos). The understated carved decoration seems to confirm this. Apart from the traditional palmette at the junction of the armrest and back, it consists of delicate Etruscan-style sawtooth motifs typical of the early 19th century, complemented by foliage atop the scroll, a rosette in the center of the volute, and finally, a motif of opposing double crotchets at the top of the front and rear legs. This last motif is characteristic of Pierre-Antoine Bellangé's work. Also noteworthy are the use of the volute as an armrest support, whether or not adorned with a rosette in its center, a technique also employed by the Jacob brothers (see the furniture in the Empress's private apartments at Fontainebleau), and the delicate involution that connects the saber legs to the seat rail. Sturdy structure. Used condition.