Regent Antiques has dated this French Empire Leather Armchair to the 1880s.
The bow-shaped top rail above a twin slat backrest applied with ormolu anthemion, rosettes and palmette mounts, the over stuffed-seat is upholstered with sumptuous Italian tan leather by Moore & Giles, and the chair is raised on square tapering legs terminating in ormolu lion's paw feet.
It is an absolute masterpiece which is sure to get a lot of attention wherever it is placed.
Condition:
Dimensions in cm:Height 77 cm x Width 61 cm x Depth 55 cm Height 52 cm - Seat height
Dimensions in inches:Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 2 foot x Depth 1 foot, 10 inchesHeight 1 foot, 8 inches - Seat height
Gilt Bronze / Ormolu - (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt.
Our reference: A4730
Regent Antiques has dated this French Empire Leather Armchair to the 1880s.
We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page
Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique French Empire Revival Ormolu Mounted Armchair 19th C
