A pair of French carved giltwood armchairs attributed to Jeanselme, en suite with lots 342 and 344 mid 19th century

each armchair with an outward scrolled padded rectangular back with a baluster leaf carved and fluted top-rail on padded downscrolled arms and bowed padded seat, the supports in the form of winged lions on paw front feet and sabre rear legs, the seat-rail carved with scrolling foliage and flowerheads centred by a laurel wreath enclosing the letter 'M' for Messina, all on castors;

By repute commissioned by Napoleon I and given as a gift to General Masséna
The Museum of Masséna, Nice

Jean-André Masséna, 1st Duc de Rivoli, 1st Prince d'Essling, (1758-1817):

He was a French military commander during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars and considered by military historians as one of the greatest field commanders in history and is often ranked among generals of his generation, second only to Napoleon himself.  Napoleon said of Masséna: he was "the greatest name of my military Empire". Masséna was one of the original eighteen Marshals of France created by Napoleon. His nickname was l'Enfant chéri de la Victoire ("the Dear Child of Victory"). Masséna retained his command after the restoration of Louis XVIII. Napoleon returned from exile the following year, Masséna refused to commit to either side and he later died in Paris.

 

Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. Gilding refreshed. Attractive detail to carving. Joints sound and sturdy. In overall good conserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Denis Ledoux -Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIXe Siècle 1795-1889, Paris 1989, pages 374-384.

This unusual pair of armchairs are identical to a pair  by Jeanselme, which were both stencilled beneath the seat-rail Jeanselme père et Fils, sold in these Rooms, lot 117, 10th June 1998.

A carved mahogany armchair, stamped Jeanselme with almost identical splayed scrolled back legs, carved with acanthus leaves headed by scrolling foliage is illustrated by D. Ledoux-Lebard, op. cit., page 382.