Armchair with winged sphinxes

An armchair inspired by Antiquity with a high curved back in mahogany and mahogany veneer.

The armrests are supported by two winged sphinxes standing on a rectangular pedestal ending in castors.

Period: late 18th century

Provenance: Former collection of Jean Bloch, sale in Paris, Palais Galliera, 13 June 1961, Lot. 108.

Exhibition: This armchair was included in the exhibition on “French Chairs” held in June-July 1947, n° 186.

Size:

Height – 128 cm 4 ft 2 3/8 in

Width – 66 cm 2 ft 2 in

Depth- 58 cm. 22 7/8 in.

Bibliography:

This armchair is directly inspired by Antiquity. A chair of the same model is depicted in the painting by David at the Louvre, entitled “Lictors Bringing Back to Brutus the Body of His Sons” (Inv. NM 2683), painted for the King in 1789. This painting shows three antique-style chairs that had been ordered and made for David by his cabinet-maker Georges Jacob.

Sophie Monneret “David et le néoclassicisme” Finest SA / Finest Pierre Terrail, p. 92.