​This exceptional seat is the work of the master cabinetmaker from Brussels, Jean-Joseph Chapuis (1765-1864). It is part of the so-called "Etruscan style" (or Neogrec), inspired by the forms of klismos and ancient curules represented on Greek ceramics with black and red figures found in the necropolises of Italy.

The legs forming a double arched in an inverted U form a true feat of cabinetmaking for the time. To obtain these fluid curves without weakening the wood, Chapuis superimposed and steam-moulded several thin wooden blades, ahead of the bending techniques later developed by Thonet.

The armrests with pronounced concavity, made with the same process as the legs, join the backrest in a single smooth movement. They rest at the front on delicate baluster columns topped with small end balls.

The chassis has its original dark green/black patina imitating patinated bronze, enhanced with slight highlights and gilding. The arched backrest is decorated with a painted decoration inspired by the Greco-Roman repertoire (acanthus foliage, two sphinges encircling an antique central basin).

Square-shaped seat with softened corners painted with a golden thread, accompanied by its original fine-mesh caning. 

Stamped with "CHAPUIS" on the back of the seat.

Circa: 1795-1800. 

Trained in Paris where he obtained his master’s degree before setting up his workshop in Brussels, Jean-Joseph Chapuis was one of the major cabinetmakers of the Napoleonic period.

The pioneering quality of these models, including this iconic seat, earned Chapuis major orders. Shortly after 1806, Napoleon ordered a series of strictly identical sieges to refurnish the royal castle of Laeken near Brussels. 

Identical copies of this headquarters are now preserved in important international institutions, notably the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia, Inv. 96.1.1) and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

A pair of identical armchairs by Jean-Joseph Chapuis is referenced in: Les Ebénistes du XIXe siècle, Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Paris 1965, page 120.

Four identical armchairs were sold: Ader-Picard-Tajan, Palais d'Orsay, Paris, 5 December 1979, lot 49.

An identical pair of armchairs signed by Chapuis was sold: Sotheby’s, New York 6 June 1981, lot 298.

An identical armchair, attributed to Jean-François Chapuis was sold: Sotheby’s, Paris, 30 October 2018, lot 338.

Another identical armchair, Sotheby’s Paris, on June 28, 2023, lot 457.

Very good condition, perfectly stable. 

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