Pair of armchairs with winged sphinxes France Circa...

Pair of armchairs with winged sphinxes France Circa 1870 Walnut Height: 99 cm; Width: 66 cm; Depth: 63 cm A very handsome pair of carved and stained walnut armchairs in the Directoire style, with armrests carved with sphinxes. The perimeter of the backrest and seat belt are delicately carved with pearls, links and rosettes. Resting on tapered, fluted legs. Related work : These armchairs are close to the model executed around 1790 by the cabinetmaker and seat joiner Georges Jacob (1739-1814), now in the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris (Inv. Mob Nat Gme 1552). Biography: After receiving his master's diploma in 1765, Georges Jacob (1739-1814) worked for the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne from 1773 until the French Revolution. His clientele included Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette, the royal family, in particular the Comte de Provence, future Louis XVIII, the Comte d'Artois, future Charles X, the Prince de Condé, the Duc de Penthièvre and foreign courts. In 1785, he created the first mahogany chairs, known as "à l'anglaise", for the Comte de Provence. In 1788, he launched the Etruscan style with the delivery of carved mahogany "à l'étrusque" furniture for the Château de Rambouillet dairy. He was also involved in furnishing the Petit Trianon in Versailles. Georges Jacob survived the Revolution unharmed, thanks to the painter David. He retired in 1796, leaving his workshop to his sons, Georges fils and François-Honoré, who set up the Jacob Frères company in Rue Meslée, producing furniture and seating in the Directoire and Consulat styles. In view of their success, Georges interrupted his retirement to help his son supply furniture for Napoleon I's imperial residences. François-Honoré took the Desmalter name on his father's death, in memory of the family estate in Burgundy.