Armchair Stamped G. Iacob, Model Delivered To The Count Of Artois, 18th Century

Louis XVI period armchair, stamped G. IACOB. Attributed to a model delivered to the Count of Artois, circa 1775-1785. An important armchair in molded and carved beechwood, stamped G. IACOB for Georges Jacob (1739-1814), who became a master craftsman in 1765. The slightly curved medallion back is set within a very simple molded frame, characteristic of the Neoclassical style during the reign of Louis XVI. The armrests with cuffs rest on elegantly profiled scrolled brackets. The circular seat rail is highlighted by a carved motif on the front. The tapered and fluted front legs, with their neat joinery, echo the saber-shaped rear legs, lending the whole piece balance and lightness. The stamp "G. IACOB," visible under the seat rail, attests to its production in the Parisian workshop on Rue Meslée, one of the most prestigious at the end of the Ancien Régime. The model is traditionally associated with the chairs supplied to the Count of Artois, the future Charles X, for his Parisian residences and at Bagatelle. A great connoisseur of decorative arts, the prince called upon the finest craftsmen of his time, among whom Jacob held a prominent position. The upholstery is covered in damask with a vegetal motif in the 18th-century style, trimmed with braid. This armchair perfectly illustrates the maturity of the Louis XVI style: architectural lines, balanced proportions, and remarkable quality of execution. Chairs stamped by Georges Jacob are particularly sought after for their historical significance and the reputation of their maker, the official supplier to the Court and the aristocracy. Beyond its aesthetic value, this piece illustrates the central role of the Jacob workshop in disseminating the Louis XVI style and furnishing princely residences on the eve of the French Revolution. It thus constitutes a significant testament to Parisian craftsmanship and aristocratic refinement of the years 1775-1785. It measures 91 cm in height, 60 cm in length, and 54 cm in depth. The seat height is 42 cm.