A mahogany and mahogany veneered chair a l'antique, Directoire, circa 1795, attributed to Georges Jacob

with an inverted backrest, on inverted 'C' shaped legs centred by a carved sheath of laurel leaves, upholstered in velvet leather 

Related literature:
Exh. cat. Au temps des Merveilleuses, la société parisienne sous le Directoire et le Consulat, Paris, 2005, n. 281.

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate Good overall condition. There are the inevitable dents, marks and scratches due to age and use. The mahogany has been restored, especially to the feet which have been probably reduced. Both left hand side feet have been restored and re-inforced with pieces of metal. There are two restored holes in the middle of the mahogany backrest and near the circular front elements (probably for ancient but not initial ormolu elements or for armrests trimmings/chains which have been removed). The chair was previously with different and separate upholsteries, one for the backrest and one for the seat, as visible on the drawing of the Musée des Arts décoratifs illustrated in the printed catalogue (page 178). The suede upholstery is in good overall condition. Graceful lines in Antique Revival taste. Attractive and modern design.
"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."

Inspired by Antiquity and in particular by Roman antiquity, the present chair can be compared to the late 18^th century works of Georges Jacob (1739-1814). If we consider the collection entitled Mobiliers de Madame Elisabeth, 1790, formely part of the David-Weill Collection and today in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (inv.CD 2736), the design of this armchair could be the work of the decorator Jean-Demosthène. One of his drawings proposed in watercolor and black ink is of a chair with an inverted backrest comparable to our example. A similar armchair was presented during the exhibition titled Au temps des merveilleuses, la société parisienne sous le Directoire et le Consulat at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris from March to June 2005.