This chair is typical of the Empire period. circa 1810-1815. The color of the paint finish is a dark grey blue hue.
Beautiful Painted Empire Styled Chair
Of the same model as the previous chair, this armchair has all its qualities and generosity. It differs in its arm-rests, which very prettily continue the line of their curved supports, and are ornamented with a very fine sculpture of stylized lotus leaves
Beautiful Painted Empire Styled Chair
This pure Antique French Empire chair, with a powerful yet not heavy look, is typical for the taste of the early 19th century which is inspired by the Etruscan style and furthermore and mainly by the discoveries of Napoleon in the Egyptian expeditions. As you can see the pure white upholstery plays off the off gray painted finish. This chair offers us turned front legs with ornamented extremities in the shape of stylised lotus leaves. All Pictures were originally featured here.
Empire Furniture Classical Interiors - Venetian Plaster Designer Brian McCarthy
A detail of the Dining Room of Brian J. McCarthy showing a Georges Jacob chair against a Venetian plaster wall- Picture Featured on The Devoted Classicist Blog Originally Seen in the January-February, 2012 issue of VERANDA magazine.
Venetian plaster is a plastering technique which uses a fine delicate layer of of lime plaster, which is then polished to give a glossy appearance. This type of finish is known as Venetian Plaster, Marmorino, and Stucco Lustro Veneziano and has been used throughout history starting in Egyptian times. Venetian Plastering was used by the Romans, and during the renaissance for decorating palaces and villas.
The composition of Venetian polished plaster is that of Marble dust & lime, and occasionally quartz dust is added.
The industrial process of making Venetian polished plaster involves heating limestone in kilns, which is then emulsified with water. The mixture is then left to age for some years. The result is a lime putty which requires exposure to air to cure.
After aging is complete the putty is mixed with a variety of materials to add decorative effects, commonly marble dust or quartz is used, and pigments are added to produce plasters of different colors. Exposure to the air will cure the plaster over a number of months and a durable finish is the result. The durable nature of the venetian plaster finish makes it very versatile. It can be used externally or internally, and in spaces where a less durable finish would quickly wear out. Essentially limestone is turned into a putty which when exposed to air will harden back into a stone like finish
Recently polished plaster finishes have become popular and seen in particularly wealthy homes and office buildings. The finish has been used increasingly by leading architects & interior designers. Venetian Plaster can be suitable in almost all the rooms in the home: bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, lobbies, swimming pool walls & ceilings, wet rooms & columns.
Applications
Venetian plaster is applied with a trowel or spatula and then polished to produce a smooth surface which has an illusion of depth and translucence.
Professional decorative plasterers will charge a great deal to apply the finish for you, however its with effort & patience, you can apply this beautiful finish yourself.
What you will need
1 large trowel,1 medium trowel, and 1 small polishing trowel , spatula, primer, brush/roller, polished plaster mix. sealer, cloth, wax.
Preparing the surface for plastering
A primer needs to have a slight grit to ensure the plaster adheres to the surface. Apply your primer with a roller, and allow it to dry for about 8 hours. The primer must be dry before plaster application.
Plaster application & Polishing
1st coat: Apply first coat using the large trowel so that it covers the surface, do not apply too thickly, and leave a slight patterning in the plaster. Leave overnight to dry.
2nd coat: Using the medium trowel lightly sand 1st coat to smooth any really textured areas and then apply the 2nd coat by using small rotating motions with the trowel, working from one corner to the other, in a methodical fashion.
Use as little plaster as possible, just enough to create an even smooth finish. Leave 8 hours to dry.
3rd coat: apply as for 2nd coat, Use even less plaster than before as you will be working on a smoother surface, work your way evenly and methodically across the surface with the small trowel, applying the thinnest possible coat consistent with covering the surface completely.
As the plaster dries, using an acute angle with your trowel smooth and compress the plaster using a cutting motion, this will give it a polished even glassy shine. Leave 24 hours to dry.
Sealing
The plaster effect can left in its natural state if desired. It can however be sealed, if the application is in an area subject to humidity, such as a bathroom. Sealing is achieved by applying 2 thin coats of sealer , the 2nd coat can be applied 1 hour after the 1st. Leave for 24hours at which point its possible to also apply wax to give the plaster added shine and protection.
Additional Rooms By Brian J. McCarthy
Classical Interiors By Brian J. McCarthy Seen In Elle Decor
Classical Interiors By Brian J. McCarthy Seen In Elle Decor
Classical Interiors By Brian J. McCarthy Seen In Elle Decor
French Empire Period Mahogany Bergere Arm Chair w/ Ram Mounts, circa 1830-60
This elaborate French Empire Barrel Mahogany Bergere features glorious Ram Head Mounts and is believed to be dated between 1830-60. This chair is a beautiful work of art with incredible swirled mahogany veneers. The crest is decorated with a vase over acanthus leaves, swirls rising from the vase to culminate in a four petal flower, each flanking a round floral motif, the square exposed arms wrapping around the back to terminate in incredibly cast Ram Head brass mounts. The arms flank a broad and quite comfortable upholstered seat, back and arms, each with a "bee" decorated upholstery. Sloped arm supports complete the frame, resting into a straight straight apron with pierced anthemion mounts flanking a round patera. The knees are topped by round patera designs as well, each front leg being square and tapered, the rear legs square and softly back swept, all terminating in original brass casters. This is a gorgeous chair and an absolute work of art. In quite rare form with all original mounts, each cast with incredible detail, this is a wonderful find for the collector of French Empire. It is sturdy in all joints with a strength throughout capable of enduring several generations with your family. It is listed on ebay for $3,775.00
French Empire Style Marble Top Side Table
This French Empire Style Marble Top Table, is a stunning piece featuring a solid
marble top, rimmed with a pierced brass gallery over a solid mahogany base. A
round apron of mahogany is adorned with large brass mounts of a round floral
wreath flanked by anthemion designs, each corner topped with a five point star.
The top rests over three solid mahogany molded columns, topped by incredibly
well cast Caryatid solid brass figural mounts, terminating over detailed brass
feet. The center of the triangular base has a round wreath, and the entire
table rests over three solid mahogany bun feet. This is a gorgeous table, masterfully executed and an absolute eye catcher. It captures the French Empire period in every aspect of the design, and works flawlessly in any French inspired room. This is a must have for the decorator and collector alike. This table is listed for $2,075.00
This miniature child's continental Empire inlaid mahogany chair features shiny ormolu mounts, and beautiful lines. The chair is likely to be French in nature and dates to approximately 1860-80. They also have listed a miniature Empire commode with bronze mounts which look spectacular together. This set would make a spectacular gift to a grandchild or a unique family gift that can be handed down for many generations.
The chair is made of mahogany and the back and up-swept arms are inlaid with boxwood or satinwood string inlay. The back is decorated with an ebonized panel with an ormolu wreath in the center,flanked on each side by a reclining woman in the neoclassical style. The other is playing a lyre and holding a table. The end of each arm has an ormolu mount. The inside of each arm also has a similar ormolu mount. The seat of the chair has a removable rectangular upholstered cushion which sits firmly between the arms. Below the seat on the front of the chair is another ebonized panel, this one decorated with an ormolu urn. This piece is a fine example of the highest quality of craftsmanship.
Miniature Diminutive Mahogany Commode c. 1850
This miniature diminutive mahogany commode c. 1850 is made of solid mahogany with beautiful graining. The rectangular top sits above four rows of two short drawers each. The drawers each have their original mounted gilt bronze drop handles. The drawers are separated by a vertical piece of mahogany decorated with a scrolling gilt bronze mount. Flanking the drawers are two spectacular gilt and embonized bronze neoclassical figures in the Egyptian revival style. The commode stands on square tapering legs. The two front legs are decorated with small bronze mounts. The piece is extremely well made.
Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti founder of Vivre.comtravels the world in search of artists that create beautiful home furnishings, clothing, jewelry, and gift items. Native of Switzerland, Lorenzotti set out 17 years ago for America, and since she has built a mini-empire, generating about $50 million a year by retailing luxury goods in catalogs and online. Lorenzotti started Vivre in 1996 as a thin mailer featuring just three brands. Just like any business, success comes with hard work and determination. She connects one of a kind treasures with unique buyers interested in rare objects. Today, Vivre's pages are filled with unique exotic wares from around globe. Lorenzotti is quite accomplished, but she isn't an over night success. Lorenzotti is a graduate of Columbia University and began her career as an investment banker at Lazard Freres, and is fluent in five languages.
Eva Jeanbart's home is as polished as the gems she finds, although it still remains hidden for the most part. Her closet has been featured in Domino magazine but the rest of her home hasn't been photographed. Habitually Chic Blog posted some wonderful pictures of her home which showcased her beautiful polished geometrical patterned floor. She was also photographed in Gotham's March 2008 issue, standing against an exquisite table. Jeanbart-Lorenzotti lives in Manhattan with her husband and their two children. For more reading check out Lonny Sept 2011's Interivew with Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti.
Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's Empire Decorated Home Gotham Magazine
Maccassar Ebony Maple Zebra Snare Drum From Falling In Between Ebay
Empire Furniture & Decorating Ideas Black Marble Floors Polished Wood
Black Ebony is an exotic species probably best known in it's use for musical instruments. Its amazing striped pattern of real blacks and dark chocolate browns is an irresistible draw for those who love wood. Ebony finishes to a beautiful sheen, with limited time and effort, making it very high end looking. This exotic wood is also known by the names Calamander Wood, and Variegated Ebony . The picture above shows an entire wall and door crafted out of Macassar Ebony, which is a striped Ebony.
Information on macassar ebony is relatively limited. It is an ebony from India and the East Indies and varies in the colour and has such a dramatic appearance. There are 100's of types of ebony worldwide, but most are only shrubs, and only one found of the species is found in North America called the persimmon tree, which is used in the manufacture of golf clubs. The trees today are rare to find c0mpared to many years ago, and are much smaller than the size 20 year ago.
I am so thankful for my brother who pointed me in the right direction with this wood!! Thank you K!
Macassar Ebony Klismos Style Chair By Hinson & Company Featured on Veranda
