A traditional yet very finely executed and very well preserved model of armchair from the Napoleonic Empire period. Furthermore, this pair has been expertly reupholstered with fine silk that is period correct. The silk features wreaths of laurel, bellflower stripes, as well as a fine galon or border of neoclassical palmette and rosace motifs. Even the backs of the chairs are upholstered with this silk, enhancing their decorative impact in a room. In the early 19th century, with fabric being costlier than it is today, the backs would have likely been upholstered with a simpler checkered fabric.

The finesse of the sculpture where the armrest meets the ceinture (or the frame of the seat) indicates that these would have been made by one of the prominent Empire makers. The front and back “saber” shaped legs are key traits of an Empire chair. Their subtle curve lends grade to an otherwise statuesque and monolithic style. This design of this pair does not tend towards the rigidity for which the style has often been criticized (noticing the volute which splashes upwards as the armrests seem to collide with the back of the chair).

The model of chair is more representative of the period than something particularly rare, at least in terms of Napoleonic period furniture. The precision of the sculpted decor apparent here is, however, surprising.

H: 36 inches. L: 22 inches. D: 21 inches.

Myers & Monroe, LLC