In garnerey's painting, the furniture is shown covered in a deep red material wit h black passementerie, the same colour scheme as the studio furniture that georges jacob made for jacques-louis david just before 1789. They are of red wool with black palmettes copied from "etruscan" vases, some of which can be glimpsed in josephine’s art gallery just beyond. The room is illuminated by three black lustres(chandeliers), two of which are visible in the painting. These evoke the antique manner with gilt-bronze mounts by martin-eloi lignereux (1752-1809). Four half-lights hang against the mirrors, and eight appliques (wall lights) are attached to pilasters framing the doors. Both doors and windows are hung with festoons harmonising with the seats and embellished with the monogram"j. B. " in the foreground stands the empress's significant fauteuil in gilt wood with lion's-paw feet and heads inspired by egypt or assyria. The cashmere shawl draped over it implies that the owner has just stepped out of the room. Date: 1 January 1824.
Loading...