207. 207W An important and rare suite of four large Italian giltwood framed ceremonial armchairs, Naples first part of the 19th century Important and rare suite of four large Italian giltwood ceremonial armchairs, Naples first part of the 19th century Each richly carved overall with foliate scrolls and palmette motifs, the outscrolling rectangular back above lion mask padded armrests, on acanthus-wrapped monopodiae supports terminating in animalistic legs and paw front feet and splayed back legs, upholstered à châssis in red and gold patterned silk, 70cm wide x 73cm deep x 99cm high, (27 1/2in wide x 28 1/2in deep x 38 1/2in high) This rare suite of four Italian carved and giltwood fauteuils epitomise the Empire style which was spreading in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century following Napoleon's military incursions. These majestic armchairs are carved with lion monopodia and allegorical decorations in honour of Napoleon. It is in 1804, that Percier and Fontaine were given the task of designing the decor and furnishings of the throne rooms at the Palais des Tuileries and Saint-Cloud, and, in 1807, for Fontainebleau as well. The design of the present chairs and particularly from the lion monopodia supports derive from the celebrated Fauteuil du Trône, supplied by Jacob-Desmalter for Napoléon Bonaparte's Salle du Trône at the Château de St. Cloud in 1808.