M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the Regency era.
Elegant and well-carved mahogany-framed sofa inspired by Grecian design from antiquity. The revival and re-visiting of the classical civilisations during the early C19th was popularised and made highly fashionable by the drawings and designs by the likes of Thomas Hope and Charles Heathcote-Tatham inspired by the sights and architecture re-discovered on "The Grand Tour" of continental Europe.

The centre of the shapely back rail with a large skilfully-carved scallop shell , the symbolism alluding to Venus the goddess of love , borne from the sea on a shell (as depicted in Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" ) and long celebrated in ancient classical mythology.
The frame with carved classical honeysuckle and anthemion detail .
. Carved oval classically-referenced stylised sunflower patera on a central tablet to the front of the frame and similarly repeated above the legs. The unusual lyre-shaped supports with carved detail, carved with motifs to the front , repeated in plain silhouette form to the rear . The base of all the feet with recessed 'ball' type castors for ease of movement.

The whole of the frame with carved channeling detail.
Rich consistent colour and patina to the quality mahogany.
Has been recently traditionally re-upholstered in a quality sympathetic Regency design striped and subtle floral patterned detail fabric , in excellent ready-to-use condition. The seat with a fitted loose squab cushion and tailored twin roll-end cushions all with piped edges . The borders finished with matching braid detail .
The stylish frame in strong, sturdy condition with no loose joints , damage or repairs.
H (full) 39"
H (seat) 17"
W 80"
D 25"
Possibly American, Philadelphia c. 1820
M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the Regency era.
M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
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M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA