Offered by Étienne de Roissart
Dark green patinated wood (bodies of sphinxes) and light wood (reeds), with gilding and polished mahogany, granite.
This remarkable guéridon stands on three legs formed as voluted sphinx heads, ending in eagle heads gathering twigs, and adorned at the center with particularly abundant reeds encircled by a rope motif. The foliage of the reeds is of extraordinary finesse, measuring only a few millimeters.
The top is made of black granite, dating from the early 19th century. A closely related example exists at the Royal Palace of Laeken. This model of guéridon is very rare, and this piece is probably Chapuis’s most exceptional creation.
For structural strength, Chapuis was among the first to use layers of wood arranged in different directions, resulting in a structure that is both extremely light and strong. The granite top and the mahogany frieze are exceptionally thin and refined, in keeping with the Directoire style.
The table rests on three small casters, allowing it to be moved easily while enhancing its sense of lightness.
