A fine suite of Aubusson tapestry covered mahogany seat furniture, four armchairs stamped P. Bellangé, the sofa stamped twice P. Bellangé Restauration, circa 1825

comprising eight armchairs and the sofa, each armchair with a rectangular padded back with reeded top-rail, above downscrolled arms and bowed padded seat, on sabre legs, the backs covered with woven panels with figures of children in landscapes, within a four-sided border of vine leaf and grape design in orange on almond coloured or cerise ground, the seats tapestry depicting animals in landscapes, based on Les Fables La Fontaine, within the same border, the sofa with a rectangular padded back, sides and loose cushioned bowed seat within a similarly carved frame

Château de Grosbois, Boissy Saint Léger (Val de Marne), France, (see fig. 1) formerly in the bedroom of Napoléon-Alexander Louis Joseph Berthier (1810-1887), Prince de Neuchâtel, 2^nd Prince of Wagram, the great-great-great grandfather of the present owner, (see figs. 2 and 3). 

Napoléon-Alexander Louis Joseph was born in Paris on 11th September 1810, his four names were given to him by a reference to the Emperors Alexander and Napoléon, and Louis and Joseph Bonaparte, the Kings of Holland and Spain. He was the eldest son of Louis-Alexander Berthier, the most diplomatically able of Napoléon's Marshals and Princess Marie-Elisabeth of Bavaria (1784-1849) of the Palatine branch.

His father, Louis-Alexander Berthier (1753-1815), Prince de Neuchâtel and Valangin was a French nobleman and general, and a good friend of Napoleon. He inherited an excellent ability for surveying and drawing plans from his father who was engineer, which also made him an excellent military tactician. It is doubtful that without Louis-Alexander Berthier, the French command system under Napoléon Bonaparte would have functioned to the degree of excellence that it did.

Napoléon-Alexander inherited from his father the château de Grosbois, an immense estate in a rural location near Paris. In 1562, the main part of the palace was constructed under the supervision of its owner Raoul Moreau (Finance minister), who sold the castle in 1625 to Charles de Valois, Duc d'Angoulême. After his death it was inherited by his grandaughter, La Duchesse de Joyeuse. The château belonged to many different owners until the French Revolution. Louis-Alexander Berthier bought it in 1805, and spent considerable sums refurbishing it. The château de Grosbois was the property of the family until 1962.

Joints sound and sturdy. Attractive model, nicely carved. Good patina. There is some minor lifting of the veneer on the seat-rail on one which is not too noticeable and can either be left or restored, but this does not detract from the piece. Old very minor scuffs, chips and scratches commensurate with normal usage. Tapestry panels have areas of reweaving in areas, for example across the top of backs of some, where visible as different colour. Some of the chairs are more faded than others overall. The outer border ground is repaired and different colours on the same chair. The silk grounds, which are the sky backgrounds to both seats and backs, has been rewoven on most chairs, consolidated on some. Some minor areas of repair to details. Some of figural panels have more wear than others, with warp threads showing as speckles, such as brown earth, green hills. All tapestry is stable and in good restored condition. Charming subject matter. A good number of armchairs, which can be placed immediately. Highly recommended. Measurements: Armchairs: 96cm. high; total floor to seat 42cm. 53cm. width; depth 51cm.
"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:
D.Ledoux-Lebard, Les Ébénistes Parisiens du XIXème siècle (1795-1870) leurs oeuvres et leurs marques, F de Nobele, 1965, plate VII, for related bergère and fauteuil by the same maker with the addition of gilt-bronze mounts in the Palais de Compiègne and White House collection respectively.

Pierre Antoine Bellangé, received master in 1788:
Pierre Antoine Bellangé (1758-1827) was one of the Imperial and Royal Court suppliers, active through the Empire and Restauration periods in the rue Neuve-Saint-Denis. He was ébéniste breveté du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne during the Restauration and supplied furniture to Napoleon and his entourage. His work remained highly regarded during the Charles X period when he was attached to the Direction Générale du Mobilier. An article published in the Bazar Parisien in 1821 mentions: La qualité, la richesse et la grace des objets d' ébénisterie qui sont sortis de ses ateliers, aussi bien que l' Ancienneté de son établissement, ont acquis à M. Bellange une réputation qu' il vient d' accroître part l' ameublement du PavilIon de Saint Ouen (see Denise Ledoux Lebard, op. cit.,, pp.50-60). In 1825 his son Louis-Alexandre took over the prosperous workshop.