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Elegant and rare pair of molded mahogany and flamed mahogany veneer armchairs from the Directoire period, each stamped JACOB FRÈRES RUE MESLÉE (stamp used between 1796 and 1803 by the two sons of Georges Jacob, Georges II dit l'Aîné and François Honoré Georges known as Jacob Desmalter).
Model perfectly illustrating the Directoire style with a return to Etruscan. The inverted roll-up backrest, the united belt with a convex front and dice with rosette patterns. The armrests supports turned in ringed sheath, on cubic mass with square listellos. The rounded head flat armrests concave with roller under ribbed sheets. Front feet in circled balusters and posterior saber feet.

Several identical models, also stamped JACOB FRÈRES RUE MESLÉE are kept at the Mobilier National, in particular one bearing the inventory numbers  GMT-9898-000 and St C 4523 barred St C 1769 barred St C 3484 barred SC 3809 barred Au fer for the Château de St Cloud. 

A model is also described and illustrated in the work of Ernest Dumonthier: The seats of Jacob-frères, plate number 8.

Another, from a series of six delivered to the Château de Saint Cloud in 1800 (now kept in the Palace of Fontainebleau) is illustrated in the book by Jean Pierre Samoyault: French furniture Consulat et Empire, page 58. 

Good condition, good stability of the seat (without reinforcement). Good quality fabric with a slight wear stain on one. 
Presence of old label on each armchair: "Mr De Croville"

Dimensions :
Height  90 cm
Width  58 cm
Depth  65 cm


A little history. 
JACOB FRÈRES RUE MESLÉE (1796-1803):

The two brothers will exercise this activity from 1796 to 1803, date of the death of Georges II.
Remained single, Georges II Jacob lived in the family house on rue Meslée. In fragile health, he mainly took care of the administration of the case. It was his brother, François, who was in charge of the technical direction of the factory. Their productions will bear the Jacob Frères stamp, Rue Meslée. They still recall by the elegance of their lines and the use of mahogany and different woods, adorned with various inlays, those of the previous period (Guy Ledoux-Lebard). Their new general line puts an end to the severity characterizing the Directoire style and allows a first encounter with the rounded shapes of the coming period, that of the harmonious and peaceful Consulate (David Chanteranne).

It was from the Jacob Brothers that Joséphine Bonaparte ordered delicate furniture in new shapes for her house in rue Chantereine. Shortly afterwards, they furnished Madame Récamier's mansion, rue du Mont Blanc (Chaussée d'Antin), according to the plans of the architect Berthault (see The furniture of Mme Récamier, by D. Chanteranne, Revue Napoléon Ier, n ° 6, January-February 2001, p.66). Mme Récamier's bed (Louvre Museum) uses, for the first time, the form  "boat"  as well as the swans for decoration.
In 1800, the First Consul ordered all the furniture in Malmaison and the Tuileries from them. Among their other clients, we can mention General Moreau, Cambacérès, Gaudin, ...

At the exhibitions of the products of Industry from Year IX (September 18, 1801) and Year X (September 22, 1802), installed in the galleries of the Louvre (1), the Jacob brothers were awarded a medal of gold :  "Their style is of a greater character, the details of the sculpture are treated with perfection".
When  Chaptal visited their factory, in March 1803, he discovered many workshops there: carpentry in building, carpentry in furniture, sculpture in figures, sculpture in ornaments, turning, painting and gilding, cabinet making, polishing, cast molding, gilding on metals, molding , upholstery and locksmith-mechanics: 322 workers, 11 foremen and 9 apprentices work there.
The furniture design projects, requested from Percier and Fontaine, were implemented by the best artists and craftsmen of the time. All kinds of wood are used, especially mahogany, ebony and Indian yew.

Georges II Jacob died in Paris on October 23, 1803, at the age of 35. Georges Jacob returns to "business", joins forces with his son François Honoré, the company changes its name and becomes JACOB D. RUE MESLÉE. 

 

Jacob Frères Rue Meslée: pair of armchairs stamped from the Directoire period.

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  • DIMENSIONS

    Height 35,4 inches
    Width 22,8 inches
    Depth 25,6 inches

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