French Empire Mahogany Armchair, 1805

Antique Empire armchair, restored and newly padded.

France, mahogany, Empire around 1805.

Dimensions: H x W x D: 92 x 59 x 53 cm, seat height: 41 cm.

Extremely elegant French armchair made of solid mahogany.

On slightly exhibited, four -canted pieces of furniture, which ended in the front of lion patties. The upper end of the front legs and at the same time the support for the armrests form two finely carved karyatid heads.
The backrest of the armchair is padded, slightly curved backwards and thus ensures very pleasant seating comfort.

Useful information:

1) When Napoleon Bonaparte successfully returned from his Egypt campaigns in 1801, broke a real Egyptianism in France. Karyatids and Sphinxen dominated the pilasters and pilasters on secretaries, chests of drawers and other furniture. In combination with exotic mahogany, they were stylish decorative elements of the Empire. Furnishing objects of this style were also known under the term back d'Egypte.

2) The difference between an armchair chair and an armchair is as follows:
The armchair differs from the "normal" chair only by its armrests. It was used as a seating furniture while eating. Higher family members or older people were made a special position at the table.
The armchair armchair, on the other hand, served as part of a set in the salon or as a solitaire, for example, to read or rest. As a rule, it has a lower seat height and padded back and/or armrests.

Condition:
Restored and matt polished condition of the wood. Newly padded and related. Absolutely suitable for everyday use and stable.

A very similar piece of furniture can be found on the title page following specialist book:
Jacques Mottheau - Meubles et Ensembles Directoire Empire