Lot 11
  • 11

A set of four Italian carved walnut armchairs, Piedmontese, Turin mid 18th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

restorations; originally gilded; one top-rail and rear-rail replaced in elmwood; reblocked

Literature


Condition

Joints sound and sturdy. Very minor old marks chips and scratches commensurate with age and use. Beautiful detail to carving. Drop-in padded back and seat. One arm restored where it joins the support and on same armchair the rear-rail may well have been replaced and the seat-rail has been strengthened internally. Old minor restoration to rear of front left leg of one which has been well executed and shows as a small circular patch. One has strange ridges down one side at the back carved in the wood. Good large size in overall very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Comparative Literature:
M. Agnellini, Mobili Italiani del Settecento, Milano, 1990, page 142.
V. Viale, Mostra del Barocco Piemontese, Turin, 1963, where an identical model is reproduced on plate 153 and a similar one is reproduced on plate 162.

In a 2002 study which is available for consultation Giancarlo Ferraris examines the elegant model of this group of armchairs and attempts to trace their provenance. Ferraris draws our attention to the fact that in the Royal Palace of Turin there is a suite of four armchairs whose design and sculpture is strikingly similar to the present pair (see fig. 1). There is no doubt that both sets, together with a giltwood pair sold in these Rooms, lot 68, 11th June 2003,  came from the same workshop of a still yet to be identified chair-maker.  It has not been possible to identify his name to date due to the fact that until 1771, the inventories of the Royal Household were not very descriptive.

Another six identical armchairs exist in private collections all bearing the same paper label with the arms of the Costa family from Chieri (Piedmont).  Their Palace in Turin was designed by Ignazio Birago di Borgaro who also designed some of the wall panelling and the consoles to furnish the palazzo.  Strong similarities between the sculpted decoration of these armchairs and the consoles designed by Birago may possibly suggest his hand in designing the seat furniture as well.