State armchair with swan-shaped armrests
Attributed to François Honoré Georges Jacob-Desmalter (Paris, 1770–1841)
Paris, circa 1805
Impressive carved mahogany armchair, featuring swan-headed armrests with raised wings, a highly recognizable motif of the Empire style.
The chair has a crossbow-shaped back, an apron carved with crossed arrows centred by a star, and quiver-form front legs.
Upholstered in tapestry, with decorative passementerie trim.
Dimensions: H. 106 cm – W. 80 cm – D. 66 cm
(With some damage)
This model is identical to examples in the German Embassy in Paris, and similar to a suite preserved at the Château de Malmaison, attributed to Jacob-Desmalter, official cabinetmaker to the Imperial household.
The raised-wing swan motif first appeared in 1803 at Malmaison on Joséphine’s bed, signed by Jacob Frères.
Following the successful introduction of black swans into her gardens, the Empress adopted the swan as a symbolic and aesthetic emblem for her furniture, particularly in gilt or white-lacquered wood.
