499 - Vincent ÉPEAUX (1862–1945), probably for MERCIER FRÈRES – PARIS

Vincent ÉPEAUX (1862–1945), probably for MERCIER FRÈRES – PARIS Set of eight chairs in molded and carved mahogany with curved backs, partially hollowed out at the bottom, and a belt featuring a central scroll-cut cartouche decoration, on corner-style bases with curved legs that are fluted at the front and sabre-shaped at the back. Seat and backrest entirely upholstered in aged brown leather embossed with the initials “AA” (several patches on the back). Scratches, scuffs, and discoloration on the leather Height: 90.5 cm – Length: 41 cm – Depth: 40 cm History: This model appears as No. 353 in the Épeaux catalog circa 1913, but also in other period portfolios under different names. It is therefore likely that the design for this model was purchased by several firms in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine and did not belong exclusively to any one of them. Bibliography: Le Salon des industries du mobilier 1902, Librairie d’Art Décoratif Armand Guérinet, Paris, 1902; a similar model is reproduced on plate 148. Épeaux sales catalog, circa 1913, Paris; a similar model is listed under no. 353 and reproduced on p. 28. Frédéric Descouturelle & Ophélie Depraetere, “The Faubourg Saint-Antoine and Art Nouveau – Part Five: Épeaux, a Parisian Firm Following in the Footsteps of the Nancéiens,” Le Cercle Guimard [online], August 25, 2024, [accessed May 4, 2026].