Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803), Attributed To - Estrusco Armchair - Mahogany And Veneer Of Mahogany

Jacob Frères, attributed to,
Mahogany and mahogany veneer armchair, stamped varnished
Pegged joints
H. 88 ; D. 48,5 ; W. 54
Paris, circa 1795/1800

This armchair has sabre-shaped back legs and ringed quiver-shaped front legs. The backrest is in the form of a crook. The armrests are partly hollowed out and end in volutes. They are supported by ringed columns which rest on a rich decoration of palmettes. Finally, it is worth noting the fine moulding work on the edges and around the back. 

A typical late 18th century chair
By its shape and ornamentation, our chair is typical of the production of armchairs during the revolutionary period. The "quiver" legs and the "Etruscan" backrest appeared in the decorative arts at the end of the Ancien Régime due to the repercussions of the publications and discoveries linked to the excavations in Italy. Woodworkers and sculptors appropriated these ornaments to work in the "antique" style and thus became part of one of the greatest artistic trends that affected the whole of Europe during the Enlightenment.
Moreover, the use of mahogany is typical of the last decade of the 18th century. The upper part of the belt with the palmettes decoration as well as the straight armrests ending in volutes are real innovations of the Directoire style.
Due to its dimensions this chair can be used as an office chair.

Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803)
Firm resulting from the transfer of the company of Georges Jacob to his sons Georges II and François-Honoré-Georges during the revolutionary turmoil. The products bearing their stamp are of high quality, mainly in mahogany. The abolition of guilds by the Le Chapelier law allowed for diversified production in addition to chairs. The Jacobs thus carried out a number of orders for the Consuls and the State residences, including several secretaries, chests of drawers, consoles, somnos or even support furniture.
Surprisingly, it is now known that Georges Jacob père affixed his stamp after the creation of the new firm. Some chairs marked G.IACOB are therefore the work of JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE.

Related works:
Daguerre, lot 200, 1 December 2020, stamped by Georges Jacob, very similar except for the backrest.
Daguerre, lot 167, 26 March 2021, stamped by Jacob Frères, very close except for the folder.
Pierre Bergé et associés, lot 65, 24 June 2022, stamped and delivered by Jacob Frères for the Consul Lebrun's working cabinet in the Tuileries, feet, backs, belts and moulding work very close.

Condition report :
Excellent condition, stamped varnished shaft, upholstered in light tobacco velvet and patinated nails. Mixed seat on strap. Slight accidents and wear.

This seat is visible in Paris. Additional photos, shipping and sales conditions on request.