Empire-style square armchair with carved Egyptian figures, attributable to a Paris workshop

Le Repaire des Antiquités presents this magnificent ceremonial Empire armchair, carved from solid mahogany with deep, warm highlights, typical of the finest Parisian workshops of the early 19th century. This rare model belongs to the "fauteuils à l'équerre à dossier en gondole" typology, a symbol of prestige and power under the Empire.
The armrests are decorated with Egyptian-style female figures, finely carved in wood, evoking ancient sphinxes and Napoleon's fascination with the Orient, following the Egyptian campaign. This emblematic motif of the "Retour d'Égypte" style, directly inspired by archaeological discoveries and expedition stories, reinforces the imperial character of the piece.
This type of armchair was used in Napoleon I's official residences: the Château de Compiègne, Malmaison and the Tuileries, in audience rooms, study rooms and reception rooms. The balanced proportions, solidity of the wood and richness of the ornamentation evoke the work of Jacob-Desmalter, one of the greatest cabinetmakers of his time.
The seat is upholstered in a raspberry silk fabric with gilded motifs, reworked in the taste of the period, which underlines the nobility of the structure without betraying its spirit.

Typology :
Empire squared armchair - Gondola backrest - Fauteuil d'apparat

Period:
Empire, circa 1810

Origin:
France, attributable to a leading Parisian workshop
(In the taste of Jacob-Desmalter)

Materials :

Solid mahogany

Polychrome carved wood

Modern silk fabric (redone)

Leafy ornamentation

Dimensions :

Total height: 96 cm

Seat height: 46 cm

Width: 65 cm

Depth: 73 cm

Condition:
Very good condition. Old patina preserved. Fabric carefully refurbished in the Empire style.

Ref: U1BW3EJN85