Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803), Attributed To - Etruscan Armchair - Mahogany And Mahogany Veneer

Jacob Frères, attributed to,
Mahogany and mahogany veneer armchair, stamp varnished
Pegged assemblies
H. 88 ; D. 48,5 ; l. 54
Paris, circa 1795/1800

This armchair has saber-shaped back legs and ringed quiver-shaped front legs. The back is shaped like a crozier. The armrests are partly hollowed out and end in scrolls. They are supported by ringed columns resting on richly decorated palmettes. Last but not least, note the fine molding on the edges and around the back.

A seat typical of the late 18th century
The shape and ornamentation of our seat are typical of armchair production during the revolutionary period. Quiver-shaped legs and Etruscan-style backrests appeared in the decorative arts from the end of the Ancien Régime, as a result of the repercussions of publications and discoveries linked to excavations in Italy. Carpenters and woodcarvers appropriated these ornaments to work in the “antique” style, and thus became part of one of the greatest artistic trends to sweep through Europe in the Age of Enlightenment. The use of mahogany is typical of the last decade of the 18th century. The palmettes at the top of the belt and the straight armrests ending in scrolls are true innovations of the Directoire style. Due to its dimensions, this chair can be used as an office chair. Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803) Firm resulting from the transfer of Georges Jacob's company to his sons Georges II and François-Honoré-Georges during the revolutionary turmoil. Their stamped products were of high quality, mainly in mahogany.
The abolition of guilds by the Le Chapelier law enabled the company to diversify its production beyond seating. The Jacobs produced a number of orders for Consuls and state residences, including secretaries, commodes, consoles, somnos and support furniture. Surprisingly, it is now known that Georges Jacob père affixed his stamp after the new firm was founded. Some chairs marked G.IACOB are therefore the work of JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE.

Related works:
-Daguerre, lot 200, December 1, 2020, stamped Georges Jacob, very similar except for the backrest. Daguerre, lot 167, March 26, 2021, stamped by Jacob Frères, very close except for the folder.
-Pierre Bergé et associés, lot 65, June 24, 2022, stamped and delivered by Jacob Frères for the Consul Lebrun's working cabinet at the Tuileries, feet, backrests, belts and molding work very close.

Condition report: Excellent condition, pad-varnished shaft, upholstered in light tobacco velvet and patinated nails. Mixed seat on strap. Slight accidents and wear.