Estate / Collection: The Manolovici Collection

The shell- and flowerhead- carved crest rail above an interlaced back flanked by shaped arms, the bowed seat with detached associated needlework panel, on beaded shell- and foliate-carved cabriole legs and scroll feet.

Height 37 1/2 in. (95 cm), width 23 1/2 in. (59.5 cm)

Provenance:

R. A. Lee, London.

Samuel Messer, bought from the above, October 1958.

Christie's, London, The Samuel Messer Collection of English Furniture, Clocks and Barometers, December 5, 1991, lot 58.

Acquired by the present owner from the above sale.

Notes:

The Huguenot ornamental designer and teacher William de la Cour (1700?-1767) was a major catalyst for the introduction of Rococo design in England with his eight Books of Ornament, published annually from 1741. Chair back designs with interlaced serpentine scrolled backs, shells and foliage in his Fifth Book of Ornament useful for all manner of furniture and other things, 1743, (V & A E.240-1892), are the inspiration for this George II armchair. The maker is unknown but the sophistication of design and virtuosity of carving indicate the highest calibre of London craftsmanship.

The present lot from the Messer Collection, sold Christie's, London, December 5, 1991, lot 58, appears to be part of a larger set; other examples sold include one sold Christie's, New York, April 7, 2006, lot 230 and another, sold Christie's, London, June 8, 2006, lot 5.

A pair of almost identical armchairs but without a flowerhead-carved serpentine crest rail and a veneered rather than molded back is illustrated, M. Harris & Sons, An Abridged Introductory Catalogue of Antique Furniture and Works of Art, n.d., p. 42, no. F7815.

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