A pair of exquisite early French Empire mahogany armchairs by Henri Jacob (1753-1824, Master 1779).

The straight armrests rest on carved winged caryatids and the front legs end in paw feet. The back legs are slightly flared. The backrests are held in an elegant s-curve and end in volutes.The armchairs have been newly upholstered with a white fabric and polished by hand.

The armchairs are stamped H. Jacob on the underside and bear the old label "LA GERBE D'OR, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, No. 276, ANDRY jeune, Fabricant de Meubles.".

Henri Jacob was a member of the French cabinetmaking family Jacob and related to Georges Jacob, famous royal carpenter. Andry jeune was an upholsterer and furniture dealer - making these chairs a remarkable expression of French craftsmanship.