Decorative arts
HENRI SAMUEL’S GUERIDON
Empire gilt and patinated bronze and mahogany gueridon, attributed to Jacob Frères or Jacob-Desmalter
With a circular green granite (granit vert des Vosges) top framed with a gilt bronze border resting on three columnar supports decorated with trellis pattern gilt bronze on a patinated ground.
The circular mahogany base is supported by three scrolling feet with applied rosettes and later mahogany pads.
Circa 1800 – 1820
H 74 cm – Ø 58 cm — Ht29 . in. – Ø 22 . in.
This gueridon formed part of the personal collection of the famed decorator, Henri Samuel (1904-1996), who placed it in his apartment, in the library, at 118 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. Several pieces of his renowned collection of Russian steel Tula wares can be seen presented on this photograph.
A later photo from the Christie’s 1996 sale catalogue shows it being used as the ideal backdrop for an eclectic group of antiquities, reflecting his masterful ability to effortlessly bring together different styles and types of objects.
Photograph taken by Derry Moore in 1988.