Object Description
Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze side chair
French, late 19th Century
Height 94cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm
Crafted from mahogany, this unusual side chair is mounted throughout with Empire style gilt bronze mounts, referencing both Ancient Egyptian culture and Ancient Rome. The mahogany body of the chair is boxy in shape, with two heavy-set square profile back legs, and a rectangle shaped backrest. The front two legs, however, are gilt bronze winged sphinxes, culminating in a paw on ball foot. The backrest is profusely decorated with classical gilt bronze mounts, including two flanking columns either side, vases, goddess figures, profile busts and foliate details. The centre of the backrest is open, with crossed arrows and an Apollo mask in the centre of a circular laurel wreath.