Louis XVI half cabriolet armchair, by Georges Jacob, master in 1765

Half cabriolet armchair
Beech relacquered, pegged joints
Dimensions : H. 88,5 ; D. 53; W. 60 (cm.)
Paris, circa 1785

Rare “demi-cabriolet” armchair resting on fluted and filleted legs, with a straight front crosspiece and a strongly curved seat. The scrolled armrests end in palmettes and florets, the backrest in shovel-iron. The presence of demi fleurettes on the rear connecting dice, the woodwork at the top of the back and the elegant belt are all points that express Georges Jacob's concern for excellence.

Georges Jacob
In 1755, he joined Jean-Batipte Lerouge - based on rue de Charenton - as an apprentice carpenter, then worked as a journeyman for Louis Delanois, who was a true promoter of the neoclassical style in seating. Awarded the title of Master in 1765 for a small gilded wooden chair, Jacob went on to create his own workshop from scratch. Established in his early years on rue de Cléry, his workshops were moved to rue Meslée in 1775, where he enjoyed the best period of his career and received the largest royal commissions. The Revolution, however, put him in a difficult position. Many of his customers emigrated and defaulted on their debts. In 1796, he finally went bankrupt and passed on his workshop to his two sons, Georges Jacob Fils and François-Honoré, who created the Jacob Frères company on Rue Meslée, which was active under the Directoire and Consulate periods.

Condition report: Restored to new with Lelièvre silk. Perfect condition of joinery, and doubled stamp (the iron must have bounced when struck).