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PAIR OF EMPIRE MAHOGANY FAUTEUILS WITH SPHERICAL ARM TERMINALS
In the manner of Jacob-Desmalter | France circa 1825-35 | stamped 1635 in legs
Item # 407JEP18P
A fine pair of late Empire period mahogany fauteuils, the chairs feature open arms with loosely stylized bellflower shoulders and a powerful spherical handhold raised over turned arm supports. These are ring-turned with a cove-molded plinth pulling into a tight ring before rising in a swollen baluster that culminates in a an angular pointed crown below the spherical handhold.
The leg is also rather distinct, the double-swell with ring turnings creating a cupid's bow in the negative space of the leg profile before terminating on small turned ball sabots. The back legs are a single piece from the crest through the toe, this with a gentle backward curve that creates comfort and a very pleasing visual profile.
While the turned leg and arm support are not entirely unique to the firm of Jacob-Desmalter, they produced many such examples of that turning profile as well as incoporating the spherical ball into their arm supports in many examples of the era. The chairs are apparently unmarked (though we did not remove the webbing from the front and back rails to examine for a signature, only removing the cambric and looking carefully at what could be seen without disturbing the springs or webbing).
The chairs were recovered in a modern upholstery in the 21st century and the fabric is a wonderful compliment to the chairs, remaining perfectly serviceable with only minor blemishes. The surfaces are bright with a brilliant polish to the ruby hue of the mahogany primary woods.
For a similar example attributed (but not stamped) to the firm of Jacob-Desmalter, including the spherical arm terminals, the overall profile and curve of the front seat and corner construction, see Christie's, London, 10 June 2015, lot 137 (achieved 11,875 GBP).
Measurements: 37" H x 23 5/8" D x 24 1/2" W x 16 1/4" H to seat
Condition Report:
Carefully reconditioned in the last twenty years - surface refinished and polished, back legs ended out on one chair, reupholstered, upholstery tacking rail appears to have been refreshed (upholstery wasn't removed, but examined through the springs), back feet on one chair reveneered; reupholstered in the last two decades, this remaining in very good condition with only a few spots/blemishes; the surfaces present with minor scuffs and scratches, much of this repolished and overall being a very nice presentation; sturdy and tight in all joints; minor surface cracks/chips that present some minor blemish to the aesthetic (one chair: proper back left corner on back rail; one chair: proper front right corner beneath arm support). A very comfortable pair and a gorgeous presentation. Ready to place.