A superb quality pair of late 19th century (circa 1900) George II style sculptural mahogany Gainsborough open armchairs or library chairs.This superb pair of chairs are very similar to an original design dating to around 1750, examples of these models originally probably from a larger set can be found in �The Gerstenfeld Collection� � a pair armchairs sold by Christies, �The Lady Lever Art Gallery� - one armchair purchased by Moss Harris in June 1915 and later the same month sold to Lever for a considerably higher sum and also a stool and armchair in the V&A.The original chairs are documented in the book �Masterpieces of English Furniture � The Gerstenfeld Collection� which is a Christie�s book, these chairs being described as a �strikingly sculptural pair of George II library armchairs, part of a larger suite of which six armchairs and a stool are now known. They are the collector�s dream for one thing and one thing only � the use of the dolphin head as a decoration. Dated around 1750, these armchairs are superbly and richly carved in mahogany. Notice the quite beautiful arms, outstandingly carved with dolphin heads with scaled S-shaped supports to the tail�certainly the work of a great chair maker � carved with acanthus, C-scrolls and scaling on the front legs which terminate with dolphin heads. These chairs are very important examples...� This impressive pair of chairs date from the late 19th century and have been finely crafted and carved and are very similar to the original design.The chairs consist of a serpentine shaped top rail with upholstered padded back, upholstered arms with finely carved S-shaped dolphin scaled bodies, the superbly carved dolphin head forming the arm leading down to finely carved acanthus carved tails. This leads down to carved and moulded seat rails with drop-in upholstered seats leading down to a profusely carved shaped apron to the front with carved central rocaille and foliate decoration flowing into the front ...