Empire Settee, France 1810, Manner of Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)

Empire Settee, France 1810

Step back in time to the opulent era of 19th-century France with the exquisite Elegant Empire Settee, crafted in 1810. This resplendent sofa is a testament to the timeless allure of classic design, meticulously constructed with a frame of rich mahogany.

The attention to detail in this settee is truly special. The hand-carved decor gracing the armrests is a masterpiece in itself, showcasing intricate craftsmanship that captures the essence of the Empire style. Adorning the front of the armrests is a gilded rosette detail, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.

We also offer a set of matching armchairs which was originally part of this salon suite.

Jacob Desmalter (1770-1841)

The style of this sofa is definitely at least connected to the work of Jacob Desmalter. Jacob-Desmalter et Cie (“and Company”) had a workshop in rue Meslée, Paris during the Napoleonic Era. The workshop mainly employed mahogany veneers with gilt-bronze mounts. Seat furniture forms, of mahogany when they were not painted or gilded, derived inspiration from seats and thrones of Antiquity.
While visiting Paris I went for a visit to the Musée Marmottan and discovered a set of armchairs which show an astonishing parallel to our offered salon suite and sofa. The armchairs in Paris have a mahogany veneer and their design, especially the exquisite carving of the armrests and legs and the gilt-bronze mount decor on the front of the armrest are very similar.

Jacob-Desmalter, principal supplier of furniture to the Emperor, also received commissions from Pauline Borghese, Napoleon’s sister in Rome, and the Empresses Joséphine and Marie Louise, for whom he supplied numerous pieces for the Château de Malmaison, the Château de Compiègne, the Tuileries Palace, and other imperial residences.
Greatly dependent on orders from Napoleon, the firm went bankrupt in 1813, when Imperial debts mounted during the last phase of the Napoleonic Empire. Jacob-Desmalter, however, managed to resurrect the company, and commissions revived after 1815. He continued to run it until his son, Georges-Alphonse, succeeded him in 1825.

Details of this Sofa

The upholstery of the sofa is a blue velvet fabric. The deep, rich hue of the velvet complements the mahogany frame, creating a harmonious blend of textures and colors. The choice of blue velvet not only adds a regal touch but also enhances the overall opulence of the salon suite. The fabric was not renewed.

Despite the passage of time, these chairs remain in remarkably good original condition, a testament to the quality of craftsmanship and materials used in their creation. The enduring charm of the elegant Empire Settee lies not only in its historical significance but also in its ability to seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces, bringing a touch of the past into the present.

The reduced price for sofa and 6 armchairs together is $10,000

Dimensions:

Sofa: 160 X 94 X 85 cm.
The dimension of the armchairs which are listed separately are: Bergere chairs: 60 x 60 x 92 cm, seat height 45 cm
Armchairs: 58 x 53 x 92 cm, seat height 49 cm