13: Western European Furniture of Neoclassicism,
Historicism and Art Nouveau

Armchair

Early 19th century

Paris, France

91x60x46 cm

Painted wood; silk upholstery

In the Empire period furniture was often decorated with motifs inspired by ancient examples. Roman symbols were popular - eagles, tightly twisted laurel wreathes, military attributes. Designs for furniture and interior decoration were reflected in the anthologies published by Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, Napoleon's court architects. The designs for armchairs that they produced for the Château de Saint-Cloud were the first to have figures of swans decorating the arms. This motif became very popular in the first decades of the 19th century. It was used in both the supports of armchairs and the bases of console tables. The Hermitage possesses several sets of furniture incorporating swans in their decor.