Object Description
A rare and superb quality pair of French late 18thc (circa 1800) Directoire style walnut open armchairs in the style of designs by Georges Jacob/Jacob Freres.
This pair of armchairs consist of a shaped back with turned rail to the top with carved scrolls to either side leading down to a panel with carved decoration and turned spindles below forming an elegant arcaded back.
The shaped and moulded arms with carved fleur-de-lis to the top supported by turned arm supports with brown leather seats (not original).
This leads down to a moulded bow shaped front seat rail with carved paterea to the top of turned and tapered front legs with outswept legs to the back.
The Directoire style 1789-1804 marked the transition between Louis XVI style and the Empire style, the Directoire style consisting of designs of elegance, simplicity and purity.
Georges Jacobs (1739-1814) was a Parisian furniture maker specialising in the making of chairs, in 1796 he founded a new furniture workshop called ‘Jacob Freres’ with his two sons.
Reference: similar examples to this design can be found in the books ‘Le Style DIRECTOIRE’ by Guillaume Janneau and ‘Symbols of Power Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style 1800-1815’ – page 109 with an armchair by ‘Jacob Freres’.
This pair of chairs are in very good condition for age with evidence of old restorations, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.
Size:
Height: 35” / 89cm
Width: 21.25” / 54cm
Depth: 24” / 61cm
Seat height: 18” / 45.75cm