Europe and America 1800-1900, room 101
ARMCHAIR
1803-13
The firm of Jacob Frères (later working under the name of Jacob-Desmalter) continued to build on its earlier success. It supplied the households of Napoleon and many of his courtiers, and helped to create what we now call the Empire style. Sphinx heads became a particularly fashionable motif around 1800, during Napoleon's military campaigns in Egypt.
France, Paris; by the firm of Jacob-Desmalter
Gilded beech; silk damask upholstery modern
Stamped 'JACOB D/R MESLEE'; inventory label for Sir Charles Stuart de Rothesay, 1816
The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection
Bequeathed by Mrs T.R.P. Hole [05/08/2015]
ARMCHAIR
Label: <font -i>Seize fauteuil Bois dor fond vert dessein blanc</font>
W.5A-1987
'American and European Art and Design 1800-1900'
This armchair is a grander model from the same set of sixteen as the green example near by. The label, dated <font -i>'Paris le 20 Avril 1816'</font>, also notes that they were then sold <font -i>'avec housse'</font>, or with an outer case cover. A second label is inscribed <font -i>'Sir Charles Stuart KB'</font> with his arms, for the later Lord Stuart de Rothesay (1779-1845), appointed Ambassador to Paris in 1815. The upholstery was originally green with a white pattern.
From the Bettine Lady Abingdon Collection [1987-2006]
Europe and America 1800-1900, Gallery 101
ARMCHAIR
1803-13
France, Paris; designed and made by the firm of Jacob-Desmalter
Beech, carved and gilded; silk damask upholstery modern
Stamped 'JACOB D/R MESLEE'; inventory label for Sir Charles Stuart de Rothesay, 1816
Museum no. W.5A-1987
The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection. Bequeathed by Mrs T.R.P. Hole
The firm of Jacob Frères, later working under the name of Jacob-Desmalter, continued to build on its earlier success. With the new regime, the firm supplied the households of Napoleon and many of his courtiers. It helped to create what we now call the Empire style. Sphinx heads became a particularly fashionable motif around 1800, during Napoleon's military campaigns in Egypt. [2006]