A fine set of four Louis XVI style carved giltwood fauteuils after the model by Georges Jacob

Sold from the collection of Mr and Mrs Martin Alexander, Sotheby's New York, 24th May 2000, lots 293 and 294.

The colour of the gilding lighter and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Joints sound and sturdy. Very minor chips to gilding commensurate with normal usage. Reblocked. Very fine detail to carving. In overall very good 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."

These fauteuils à la reine are inspired by the celebrated suite of mobilier delivered by Georges Jacob in 1787-8 for the Salon des Jeux du Roi at the château de Saint-Cloud. The initial order of 31st October 1787 comprised twenty-four chaises, six voyeuses, twelve fauteuils meublants, six fauteuils courants, two bergères and two large canapés. On 21 February 1788, four additional fauteuils meublants were ordered. In his bill for the fauteuils meublants, for which he charged the unprecedented price of 444 livres each, he describes them in detail as

Seize grands fauteuils meublans [sic] à la Reine, faits en bois de noyer de la plus belle qualité, cintrés en plan, les pieds tournés et ornés de riches profils de moulure; les acctoirs en bateau, entaillés et faisant raccord aux montans, le tout pris en gros bois, ornés et richement sculptés..."

He continues by describing, at extraordinary length, the carved detail of the frames, for which he provided both the carving and gilding, while the silk covers were supplied by the upholsterer Capin. The suite was recorded in a 1789 inventory at Saint-Cloud, although in 1798 part of it was almost certainly sent to the Palais Directorial, while the rest remained at the château. In 1827 the suite was partially dispersed by the Grand-Meuble royal.

Further 18th century chairs of this model, now in the château de Versailles, were supplied by Jacob to the comte de Vaudreuil, and Louis XVI's brother the comte d'Artois. Another pair of fauteuils by Jacob, with closely related entrelac frames, was supplied c.1788 by Dominic Daguerre to George, Prince of Wales, later George IV, for a bedroom at Carlton House.