10440 A pair of Charles X mahogany, gilt and brass inlaid window seats, scrolling X-shape with well carved swan neck terminals, the arm rests with brass inlay and resting on gilded paw feet. Re-covered with striped velvet silk.
French
1825
Width: 28.75 ins (73 cms)
Height: 27.5 ins (70 cms)
Depth: 14.5 ins (37 cms) £8,000
Description
The swan motif, seen here on this fine pair of window seats, derives from Classical Antiquity. The sacred bird of Apollo and sometimes represented pulling his golden chariot, the swan was extensively used in designs for the Empress Josephine as an emblem of beauty and grace.
The published designs of Percier et Fontaine, the Emperor’s architects, ensured widespread influence of this style throughout Europe and into the following generation of designers.
Our window seats, from this later period following the end of the First Empire and the restoration of the monarchy, pick up this theme with wonderfully carved swans heads pushing up to support the arms.
