A set of five chairs, in the Chippendale manner Portuguese, third quarter 18th century, one later

carved hardwood; some minor variations in carving (6)

five third quarter 18th century, one later Generally good and very decorative. All but one chair of firm stance and this chair with loose seat frame. The rear of the chairs have some losses of polish. The velvet fabric is very worn. Typical scuffing and wear to feet. Overall height 104cm, height of seat from floor to top of the velvet 44cm, width of seat to outer edges of moulded seat frame, 53cm, depth of seat from the front of the splat to the front edge of the seat rail 43cm.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Augusto Cardoso Pinto, Cadeiras Portuguesas, Lisbon, 1952, p. 15, fig. 124, for a chair with a similarly carved back.  

There is a considerable amount of furniture in Portugal and in former Portuguese colonies which either closely follows or is adapted from designs in Chippendale's, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, the first edition of which was published in 1754. The Methuen Treaty of 1703 Treaty gave Portugal a preferred market for wines in England and in return England obtained similar preferences for wool so that by the mid 18th century there was large colony of English merchants living in Portugal, some of whom must have brought with them their own English furniture.

It is recorded that there were English cabinet-makers working in Lisbon in the mid 18th century and the work of these men and English imported furniture was copied by Portuguese craftsmen. However, they altered the proportions to suit Portuguese taste and the pieces were made in Brazilian rosewood or walnut rather than in mahogany as in English examples.