Pair Of French Empire Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Fauteuils By Louis-Alexandre Bellangé, circa 1820

each stamped L BELLANGÉ under the front seat rail; one stamped CH to the rear seat rail.

Sotheby's, New York, Important French and Continental Furniture, November 5, 1998, sale 7201, lot 485;
Christie's, Paris, Important Mobilier et Objets d'Art, June 21, 2006, sale 5417, Lot 350
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, Inc., New York.

Scattered minor nicks. scratches and discolouraton commensurate with age and use. Occasional surface dirt and minor rubbing to gilding on mounts. Small losses to top edge of one seat rail and to one lower back rail. Scattered old worm holes, not very visible. Re-blocked. Upholstery is worn, particularly on seat and armrests. Joints sturdy.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Louis-Alexandre Bellangé (1796-1861) belonged to one of the most important dynasties of cabinetmakers working in Paris in the first half of the 19th century, along with his father Pierre-Antoine Bellangé (1757-1827), his uncle Louis-François Bellangé (1759-1827), and his cousin Alexandre Bellangé (1799-1863).  The family were official suppliers to the Napoleonic court and subsequently the royal households of the Bourbons and King Louis-Philippe, and also executed major commissions for leading private and overseas clients including the celebrated suite of giltwood seat furniture ordered by President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.  Although this set was removed and sold by the US government in 1860, part of the group found its way back to the White House in the 20th century and is now on view in the Blue Room. The present pair was probably made in c.1820, when Louis-Alexandre had just become an associate in his father's workshop, of which he would later assume control in 1827.  The form and style are typical of the classic Empire period of ten years earlier, though the gilt-bronze mounts add a greater element of richness as they replicate ornamental motifs that would normally be executed as applied carved reliefs in wood.  These chairs are part of a larger suite comprising a sofa and six armchairs, the sofa of which is illustrated in Sylvain Cordier, Bellangé, ébénistes.  Une histoire du goût au XIX^e siècle, Paris 2012, p.504.  The CH stamp has thus far not been identified.