Fine Suite of Six Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Armchairs

fourth quarter 18th century, Rome, each with a concave back with husk-carved perimeter molding and foliate carving, and centered by a panel of overlapping molded elliptical elements, the open arms terminating in carved rosettes, the seat rail with laurel leaf stems centered by a bloom, the lower edge with carved molding, raised on fluted tapering square legs, each now upholstered in hand-woven Impruneta patterned silk and linen brocade by Antico Setificio Fiorentino.
h. 34-1/4", w. 23", d. 19 1/2"

Provenance: Sotheby's, London, UK, Arts of Europe, November 6, 2014, lot 128; Bruce McCashin Collection.

Literature: Giacomo Wannenes, Mobili d'Italia L'Ottocento, Milan: Arnoldo Mondadon Ed., 1987, see similar figures 71, 75 and 76.


Notes: This pattern was reportedly the preferred upholstery of Lorenzo de' Medici in 15th-century Florence.