Very rare pair of curule stools in mahogany and mahogany veneer from the Consulate-Empire period.
This model, taking the form of a rounded "X", joined by a spacer with double inverted pears, holds all its originality thanks to the presence of armrests and four perfectly sculpted leonine feet.
This Curule model with armrests, directly inspired by ancient Rome, once again became a symbol of power under the Consulat and the Empire.
Similar examples can be seen in the palaces of Fontainebleau, Compiègne and Malmaison, the vast majority made by the company Jacob Frères between 1797 and 1803.
Stamped Jacob frères rue Meslée.
This stamp designates the productions of François-Honoré Jacob-Desmalter and Georges (II) Jacob between 1797 and 1803.
Very good original condition with a nice restoration of the varnish with a buffer.
Perfect stability.
Upholstery in gray alcantara and golden pediment in perfect condition.
Consulat period, circa 1800.
La sella curulis ou curule is the official seat of several Roman magistrates. Among the attributions of these dignitaries, figured in particular that of dispensing justice. However, this was made seated by the magistrate: on a platform, the curule chair was placed on which sat the person to whom the office of officer fell.
Justice, raising troops, taking the auspices, so many actions that were taken in a seated position.
Julius Caesar was given the right to use the curule anywhere, but he was accused of aspiring to royalty for having remained seated in the presence of the Senate.
The superiority of the emperor is revealed in details: among the consuls, the emperor remained seated on the curule. At the emperor's funeral, his effigy was placed on a curule chair.
La sella curulis, in Roman antiquity, was always square in shape, supported by curved legs. Two models coexist:
-Either the feet are parallel and straight -Or the feet are made in X, like pincers.
As legal actions, for example, can be carried out anywhere, the curule chair is made to be extremely maneuverable.
La forme de ce siège a été reprise par le style Directoire au début du xixe siècle, notamment sous le 1er Empire, where Napoleon intended it in particular for his marshals.
Jacob Brothers (1797-1803)
-- According to "The cabinetmakers of the 18th century by François de Salverte"
After the death of their father, Georges Jacob, his sons Georges and François-Honoré continued the activity together under the name of “Jacob frères”.
Both were born in Paris, the first on May 26, 1768, the other on February 6, 1770.
In the company they ran together until the end of the Consulate, the eldest took care of the commercial administration and the second of the technical part.
The second son called himself Jacob-Desmalter, after a property his father owned in Burgundy. A lover of his profession, very intelligent, very gifted in the arts, he was to acquire among the men of his generation a fame comparable to that of Boulle in the seventeenth century and of Riesener in the eighteenth. Luck served him right from the start. General Bonaparte, on his return from Italy, ordered from the Jacob brothers, for his bedroom in rue Chantereine, some curious military furniture, the bed of which resembled a tent and the seats of drums. These historical documents, given to General Lefèvre-Desnouettes, passed by inheritance to the Count of Harambure, who kept them in his castle of Boran (Oise).
Later, the First Consul called on the same cabinetmakers to refurnish the former royal residences devastated by the Revolution. After having hitherto produced works of very sober taste, which were especially valuable for their character and purity of style, the Jacobs began to manufacture pieces more richly decorated with sculptures and bronzes. Sometimes they also enhanced them with colored wood inlays and porcelain bas-reliefs imitating Wedgwood biscuits. A gold medal was awarded to them at the Exhibition of Year IX, where they had presented in particular two chests of drawers adorned with cameos. They outdid themselves in the following year's competition.
Their shipment included, among other pieces, several tripods in incense burners and a sumptuous carved and gilded wooden console, covered with an Italian mosaic.
These manufacturers used the JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE mark which they printed on two lines, in tall, spindly letters.
We also find this mark on many cabinets that are part of the State collections, such as the desk built for the First Consul in the shape of a triumphal arch; it is among Joséphine's souvenirs at the Château de la Malmaison.
The eldest of the Jacob brothers died prematurely on 30 Vendémiaire Year XII (23 October 1803) and François-Honoré formed a new association with his father, under the name of “Jacob Desmalter et Cie”.
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Jacob Frères, pair of curules with armrests from the Consulate period.
DIMENSIONS
Height 23,6 inches
Seat height 16,5 inches
Width 23,6 inches
Depth 15,7 inchesDELIVERY
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