Mid 18th Century Italian Rococo Armchair in Walnut with Extravagantly Carved Head Rail

Mid 18th Century Italian Rococo Armchair in Walnut with Extravagantly Carved Head Rail

Italian Circa 1760

This 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 head rail where the carver's skill is most in evidence. Rocaille work scrolls are combined with a classical theatrical mask. It is therefore possible to say that this chair is quite theatrical, both figuratively and literally.

Perhaps the use of the mask suggests that the original owner was in some way connected with acting of the theatre or perhaps they were simply a patron of the arts. Clearly this is a chair that was designed to make a visual impact in a room but in a restrained way-there are no gilt metal mounts or areas or painting or parcel gilding etc. This chair is the work of a fine carver and is a highly unusual model that was almost certainly the result of a bespoke commission.

The chair is ready for upholstery in the client's choice of fabric and is a highly sculptural piece which is sure to be a talking point in any interior.

Dimensions

Width 26 inches - 66cm

Height 43 inches - 109.5cm

Depth 25 inches - 63.5cm

Seat Height 18 1/2 inches - 47cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.