A PAIR OF LOUIS XIV GILTWOOD FAUTEUILS , LATE 17TH CENTURY |

covered in late 17th century embroidery, probably Italian or Portuguese; along with two additional late 17th century embroidery panels en suite

Galerie Maurice Segoura, Paris

Scattered losses and flaking to gilding with some re-gessoing. Repairs to two back legs with some re-carved elements. Repairs to stretchers; formerly with metal support brackets underneath; slight variations to carving. Feet re-tipped. Scattered old worm holes throughout. Original embroidered covers in fair condition with significant areas of loss to the central areas of the back and seat; colours still vivid. Back rails not examined underneath upholstery. Additional pair of old embroidery panels in good condition, retaining significantly more of the background threads and preserving fresh colours.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This extremely rare pair of chairs comes from a set of six, the other four now in a French private collection.  In form, size, and decoration, they are comparable to a group of four chairs formerly with the Barons Rothschild in England and more recently in the possession of the late Hubert de Givenchy, who also acquired them from the Paris dealer Maurice Segoura (sold Christie's Monaco, The Collection of Hubert de Givenchy, December 4, 1993, lot 63; also ill. in Louis XIV, Faste et Décors, Paris, Musée des arts décoratifs, 1960, no.23 pl.XXVIII).  This set was covered in contemporary silk embroidery extremely similar to that on the present lot, possibly from the same workshop.
The boldly carved stretchers and high backs are typical of chair construction of the Louis XIV period, which was designed to accommodate the fashion for men to increase their height with high heeled shoes and ample wigs.  An armchair of comparable form and decoration to this pair and with a very similar stretcher is illustrated in M. Jarry, Le siège français, Fribourg 1973, p.51 and 58, figs.35, 41.  The carved design elements are derived from the engravings of the artist and ornamental draughtsman Jean Lepautre (1618-1682).