Pair Empire mahogany side chairs, Jacob Freres circa 1796-1803, concave backrest, molded seatrail, carved animal leg and hoof feet; stamped: JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE; BH36 1/2" W18" D20" (2pcs)
Provenance: Millicent Rogers Estate of Arturo Peralta Ramos II
Other Notes: Jacob Freres was the stamp used by brothers Georges II (1768-1803) and Francois-Honore Jacob (1770-1841) from 1796-1803. They were sons of Georges Jacob (1739-1814), a furniture maker who worked for aristocracy and royalty during the reign of Louis XVI.
The Jacob Freres firm's most famous client was Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She would have most likely seen the work of their father during the revolution in a progressive aristocrat's house. She used them to decorate various imperial residences, such as the Tuileries palace, and remained a loyal customer, using them almost exclusively, until her death. When Georges II (the elder brother) died in 1803, Georges came out of retirement to help the remaining son, Francois-Honore (who changed his named to Jacob Desmalter) from a new partnership called Jacob Desmalter Et Cie. (stamped Jacob D. R. Meslee, on two lines), which continued to be a influential supplier for the imperial period and is credited with helping to define the Empire style as it is known today. Estimate $ 2,000-4,000
Condition statement: Some staining to upholstery. Scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use.
*** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. Condition reports are prepared by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information please read paragraph #9 of Terms and Condition of Sale.
