Armchair (fauteuil)

ca. 1800

Place madeParis, France, Europe

Beech; paint, gilding, bronze, wool upholstery

Overall: 38 x 26 3/4 x 28 in. ( 96.5 x 67.9 x 71.1 cm )

Gift of Louis Borg

1867.438

This commanding armchair, or fauteuil, was part of a suite made for Napoleon's council chamber at Malmaison in 1800. The room and its furnishings were conceived in the newly fashionable Empire style by leading French designers Percier and Fontaine. The chair was brought to America around 1816 by Napoleon's brother Joseph Bonaparte, who owned a luxurious estate in Bordentown, New Jersey. Remarkably, the chair retains its original bronzé finish, red wool upholstery, and gilded metal trim.

DescriptionPainted and gilded Empire open armchair (fauteuil); square upholstered back with gilded fluted stiles; round upholstered arms with circular metal lion's head mounts (replaced) on arm terminations above baluster-shaped supports; upholstered square seat with bowed front seat rail; front and side seat rails decorated with gilded rondels; baluster-shaped front legs on blocks and raked rear legs; upholstered in original red wool showcover with applied metallic tape.

MarkingsEngraved on brass plaque with chair: "ARM CHAIR USED BY / NAPOLEON BONAPARTE / WHILE FIRST CONSUL / OF THE/REPUBLIC OF FRANCE / PRESENTED BY LOUIS BORG / 1867"

ClassificationsFURNITURE