An Extremely Fine Set of Six Directoire Period Brass Inlaid Mahogany Side Chairs, France, circa 1800
 
All featuring backrests inlaid with ebony panels inset with brass swan-shaped motifs framed by brass mouldings, over hand carved mahogany lyre-shaped splats with brass 'strings', brass strung stiles, front seat rails & sabre-legged front supports. All six frames being exceptionally sound by virtue of their classical construction of using oak as the secondary wood for strength & durability beneath the primary wood of fine mahogany veneer. Dimensions, 34” high x 17.5” wide x 18” deep, (seat height 18”)

The swan motif was much favoured by French cabinet-makers & mount-makers during the Directoire period and was strongly associated with Napoleons consort Josephine, interpreting her protective nature towards her children like that of a swan of its cygnets.