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Mahogany, bronze, leather; 81 × 163 × 81 cm Marked on bottom: “JACOB FRERES R MESLEE” 1796–1803 Jacob Frères was one of the most prestigious furniture workshops in the first half of the 19th century. Jacob Frères Co., led by George II and François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter, became an important supplier of furniture for Emperor Napoleon and his wife Josephine, and also furnished the palaces of Tuileries, Compiègne, Fontainebleau and Saint-Cloud. Today, much of the furniture from the Jacob Frères workshop is in the Royal Collections at Windsor Castle. An example of their superb craftsmanship can be seen in this Empire desk with a leather-covered desktop and stamped gilt decor. The desk is supported by precisely crafted massive bronze winged caryatids with male heads and lion paws. Five drawers are decorated with fire-gilt bronze mounts. Laurel decorations along edges. Original condition.