A distinguished pair of Empire 'd'Officier' armchairs, circa 1805/10, originating from Budapest. These finely carved beech fauteuils are adorned with lion heads, rosettes, acanthus friezes, and detailed foliage, exemplifying the opulence of early 19th-century craftsmanship. Preserving their original gilding and unique "verde antico" finish, the chairs feature gilded brass applications that evoke patinated and gilded bronze, inspired by classical Roman design and a refined antique formal language.
The "d'Officier" style—with open seating on both sides—was specially crafted for Habsburg officers, allowing them to receive guests without the need to remove their swords. This extravagant pair was once part of a larger salon suite, crafted around 1805-1810 for the opulent Palais Erdödy in Budapest. This stately residence was home to Countess Anna Maria (Marie) Erdödy (1778-1837) and her husband, Count Peter Erdödy (1771-1837), members of one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. These armchairs are not only exquisite in form but steeped in history, embodying the elegance and stature of the Empire era.