An exceptional set of Empire-style mahogany furniture
05.12.18
A set of Empire style furniture in mahogany and mahogany veneer with chased and gilded bronze decoration. It includes a large dining table, a set of 12 gondola-back chairs and an imposing pair of consoles with "Egyptian Revival" inspired motifs.
The octagonal tray dining table
It features a thick, richly decorated apron adorned with trophies of arms , masks , laurel wreaths, and fantastical swan- . The tabletop rests on six fluted, console-shaped feet, surmounted by eagles with outstretched wings and resting on claw feet. Military motifs, swans, and eagles were widely used during the Empire period. The whole is joined by a stretcher decorated with cornucopias, flowers, and palmettes.
The large tabletop with its richly bronze-decorated rim, as well as the base formed by the four eagles, make this table majestic.
Chairs with gondola backs
The 12 gondola chairs are also made of mahogany and mahogany veneer. The upper band and seat rail are decorated with Hermes heads within a lozenge and floral motifs. The lozenge is one of the recurring elements of the Directoire style, whose ornamental repertoire is highly simplified.
The very elegant gondola-shaped backrest was a great success during the Empire period: hollowed into a semi-cylinder that wraps around the shoulders, the backrest connects to the seat rail with a continuous sloping curve. The 12 seats are upholstered in two-tone matte and glossy striped beige fabric. The legs are saber-shaped.
The console pair
Each of the two consoles opens with two drawers in the frieze, adorned with swans and masks in medallions. They rest on two fluted front supports, ending in claw feet and surmounted by sphinxes supporting composite capitals. Empire-style furniture frequently features sphinxes in its decoration, particularly from the "Return from Egypt" period onward.
The rear pilaster legs frame a panel decorated with a lozenge. The plinth base is highlighted with gilt bronze foliage. The stretcher is made of mahogany and the top of sea-green marble.
Created in the second half of the 19th century, this beautiful ensemble incorporates the monumental forms and decorative motifs characteristic of the Directoire and Empire styles, which were very popular under Napoleon III. All the elements of this ensemble are in very good condition, with remarkable fine craftsmanship.
