Bernard Molitor, Consulate Period Mahogany Armchair Circa 1800

Bernard Molitor, Mahogany Armchair from the Consulate Period Circa 1800 Exceptional Armchair in Mahogany and Molded and Carved Mahogany Veneer from the Consulate Period, Resting on Front Legs in Lion Paws and Rear Saber Feet. This Richly Molded and Sculpted Armchair is Upholstered in a Red Fabric Decorated with a Laurel Wreath and Antique Vase on a Starry Background with Passementerie Finish. Armrests with Palmette Decor. Armrest Console Resting on Antique Draped Men's Bases Ending with a Leg in Shank and Lion Paws. Happy Seating. Good Stability. Very Beautiful Fineness of Sculpture. Furniture of Exceptional Quality, Attributed to the Famous and Renowned Master Cabinetmaker, Bernard MOLITOR (1755 - 1833). We can find on this armchair, the characteristics of Bernard Molitor's productions, antique draped, lion paws. Very Similar Armchairs were Sold at Christie's in 2018, and in 2002, at Tajan. The Uprights of our Armchair are to be compared to those Appearing on a Model of Office Armchairs traditionally attributed to Molitor; That of the Ferri & Associés sale, Paris, April 13, 2012 and that of the Sotheby's Sale, New York, in 1999. Bernard Molitor (1755 - November 17, 1833) - Cabinetmaker. Paris. Master on October 26, 1787. This cabinetmaker is represented at the Louvre Museum by two Chinese lacquer cabinets, resting on ebony bases decorated with bronzes with palmettes. It is only recently, after much research, that we have begun to know and be able to speak about the life and activity of Bernard Molitor. Coming from Luxembourg, he arrived in Paris in 1776 with his cousin Michel and together they opened a small workshop in the privileged Arsenal district. It is believed that Michel would have worked with him for some time before actively participating in the Revolution. Once his master's degree was obtained in 1787, Bernard Molitor continued his trade as a cabinetmaker alone and established himself on rue de Bourbon-Saint-Germain. Molitor very quickly acquired a great reputation and received orders from the Court in 1788, seduced by the austere elegance of its productions and eager to moderate royal expenses. When the Revolution broke out he closed his establishment but opened it again a short time later, helped by several craftsmen to produce together a wide variety of furniture: chests of drawers, secretaries, desks, small tables, in mahogany, with pure lines, and with perfect execution. Very innovative, at the end of the Louis XVI period, he announced the Empire style by using on his refined furniture, decorated with bronzes, motifs of ivy leaves wrapped around detached columns as well as friezes of stylized palmettes or griffins wings which will be commonly used under the Empire. Alongside luxurious works, Molitor also produced more classic furniture, always in mahogany and executed with the greatest care. Bernard Molitor therefore got through this entire disrupted period without great difficulty. In 1802 he transferred his workshops to rue Saint-Honoré, then, under the Empire, to boulevard de la Madeleine. He ended his days near Fontainebleau where he died in 1833. Work from the Consulate Period, around 1800. Dimensions: Height: 90 cm Width: 61 cm Depth: 65 cm Seat Height: 47 cm In good state of conservation. We are at your disposal for any additional information. WWW.DANTAN.STORE