Rare officer chair in mahogany and mahogany veneer with back in headband and armrests ending in muffles representing the lion of Nemea, some of its characteristics are human hair and scar to the eye. In the form of "animal skin", its tail covers a part of the armrest. The general line of this officer chair stamped P.Marcion, makes it a particularly elegant and original model. Like Canabas or Weisweiller, the "style" Marcion is easily identifiable: sober and refined . Beautiful state of conservation, perfect stability, covered with an excellent quality Empire green leather. Stamped P.MARCIONÉpoque Consulat-Empire, circa 1800 1805.Un armchair identical, unfortunately attributed to Georges Jacob, sold at Artcurial (12/2021 lot 283). Bibliography:- "The 18th century cabinetmakers of François de Salverte"-Pierre-Benoit Marcion (1769-1840) - Napoleon’s cabinetmaker, Jean-Pierre Planchon.
Pierre-Benoît Marcion (1769-1840) was one of Napoleon I’s suppliers. From the time of the Directory, he ran a workshop and a cabinet shop, rue Neuve-des-Petits-Champs, near rue Chabanais, "Aux Egyptens", and published advertisements inviting the public to see his «choice of furniture of kind, in mahogany wood, richly decorated with bronze, according to the beautiful forms of Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities». His house having gained importance was soon transferred rue Helvétius (above Sainte-Anne), then rue Saint-Marc. In 1806, Marcion presented to the Garde-meuble tenders for the supply of beds in boats, sofas, wing chairs and winged figure armchairs, seats with legs in «scabbard», psyches, tripod sinks, sleeping or bedside tables, etc. A large number of works were requested for the palaces of Saint-Cloud, Trianon, Compiègne, Fontainebleau and Rambouillet. One of his major works was the bed of Empress Marie-Louise, which he executed in 1809. This berth, all in gilded walnut, offered very rich sculptures decorated with swans, garlands and scrolls; it was completed by two torches with kneeling figures that supported the draperies of the canopy. Marcion was still entrusted with considerable work for the service of ministers and grand officers of the Crown. Victim of a crisis that plagued the entire French industry in the last years of Napoleon’s reign, this cabinetmaker went bankrupt in 1814. The collections of the State contain some pieces with the stamp of P. MARCION.Not putting all of my Furniture and Art objects on my site, I invite you to follow my Instagram account where you can enjoy all the news: @monantiquaire.