Mid 18th Century Italian Rococo Armchair in Walnut with Extravagantly Carved Head RailItalian Circa 1760This beautiful armchair is executed in walnut and, in its basic form, is highly influenced by the French designs of the Louis XV period which altered taste in Europe forever with their introduction of highly advanced rococo ornament. Unlike many of the French designs, however, the excesses of the rococo have been tamed and the form is sophisticated and sinuous whilst still being practical and symmetrical. The chair stands on four cabriole legs with beaded detailing to the centres and a panelled effect to the edges. The knees of the front legs feature finely carved cabochons. The seat rails are serpentine to the front and sides with carved foliate and shell ornament centering the front rail for maximum decorative impact with the arms of the chair are of a gently outscrolling design. The chair back has a double serpentine lower rail and serpentine uprights but it is the...