Lot 558 , A French Empire carved mahogany settee, by Jean-Baptiste Bernard Demay (1759-1848),

A French Empire carved mahogany settee, by Jean-Baptiste Bernard Demay (1759-1848), with winged lion head monopodia arms and front supports, upholstered in a floral and figural pattern fabric, the seat rail stamped Demay rue de Cléry, also with the remains of paper label inscribed Forbes Cockell, Cliff Close, Highcliffe
Estimate £800-1,200

Jean-Baptiste Bernard Demay was a French menuisier who specialised in carved mahogany and supplied a great deal of furniture to Napoleon I and his establishment.

Please see Victoria & Albert Museum Collections for a similar pair of armchairs and matching settee (Museum No's. W.9B-1987, W.9C-1987). The suite in the V & A Collection formed part of a group of furniture purchased in Paris by Lord Stuart De Rothesay who was a British Ambassador based in Paris. Lord Stuart De Rothesay acquired a large quantity of French Empire furniture which he later brought back to Britain to use at his London home and his Dorset Home - Highcliffe Castle, that he had built in 1830, interestingly the settee offered for sale here has the remains of a paper label inscribed in ink 'Cliffe Close, Highcliffe'.

Width 4ft 5in.
Depth 2ft 2in
Height 3ft 1in.

There are general scuffs, marks and knocks around the legs and arms frame and other signs of use as you would expect but no other faults or damage, the down filled cushion and gold patterned upholstery appear to be in reasonable condition and have faded slightly in places most likely due to sunlight, generally overall reasonable condition.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £5,400