A pair of large Empire carved mahogany griffins, early 19th century

Sphinxes, griffins and related winged creatures inspired from Antiquity were an important motif from the late 18th century and through to the 19th century. Designers and cabinetmakers alike enjoyed their form imbued with history and power and they were used for a number of both decorative and functional purposes, from arm supports in seating furniture to reliefs on walls. For example, Percier and Fontaine's sheets from their Recueil des décorations intérieures (1801) display griffins in a design for a jardinière for a Swedish count (see pl. 10), but also griffins in relief for the walls of the Spanish King's Palace (see pl. 62). Napoleon I's throne at the Senate by François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter or the guéridon attributed to Pierre-Benoît Marcion at the Château de Compiègne showcase other uses of the form. The present are a superb pair of griffins, seating proudly on their own, displaying an impressive size and quality, and indeed not showings signs of having been previously attached to another furniture piece.