Mahogany sofa à la turque, Consulat Empire period, attributed to Jacob Frères

Large Turkish or billiard sofa in mahogany and mahogany veneer and scrolls, with armrests in the shape of beliers' heads, upholstered cheeks and rounded armrest supports "en officier", so as to be able to sit with a saber. It stands on a straight pedestal, the front uprights extended by a palmette escutcheon. This beautiful chair is said to have come from the descendants of General Maransin (1770-1828), general and baron d'Empire. It is part of a larger set of salon furniture, of which we also have a matching bergère. Parisian work from the Consulate or early Empire period, circa 1800-1805, most likely by Jacob Frères or another major luxury seating manufacturer - our bench is not stamped.

The Jacob brothers were the sons of Georges Jacob, one of the greatest chair joiners of the 18th century. After training them, he left them his workshop in 1796. Georges fils and François-Honoré founded the Jacob Frères company on 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. The Jacob dynasty continued under the Empire and Restoration as suppliers of Imperial and Royal furniture.

Our banquette is a luxury production, most probably unique and the object of a special order for a family (Général Maransin) or a prestigious palace during the Consulate or early Empire. The sculptural quality of the rams' heads is admirable: fine heads with distinctive veining under the skin, curly hair, horns and pointed ears.

These large, comfortable sofas were designed for Turkish-style cabinets or billiard rooms, at a time when Oriental and antique visions were in vogue. This type of comfortable seating can be seen in paintings of Empress Josephine or Queen Hortense in their boudoir or salon turc. Large in scale, this type of seating is very rare and highly refined.

Excellent condition. We have had this seat fully restored, with old-style stamped varnish, horsehair upholstery on straps and feather cushion. It is upholstered in apricot silk satin with wide orange and black borders by Prelle. We have completed it with a line duvet in the same fabric as the shepherdess en suite. The structure is in excellent condition, with no play.
A very fine model, a rare collector's item for the discerning connoisseur, restored to museum-quality finish. A beautiful seat, a rare opportunity for an Empire decoration with a model not found by everyone.

Length: 180cm
Height: 97cm
Depth: 60cm
Seat height: 38cm

Ref: 8AIXBFR4IH