A fine and rare Portuguese carved hardwood throne armchair circa 1730

with a cartouche shaped padded back, with a stylised scallopshell cresting, upholstered in 18^{th century silk velvet with silver thread, centred by a coat-of-arms of the Alagoa family and the religious Order of Mercy, above  flat topped downscrolled arms and a  serpentine padded drop-in seat, above cabriole legs terminating in scrolled feet joined by a later H-form stretcher, the frame carved with rocaille and foliage}

Sold in these Rooms, lot 240, 29th October 2003, Haute Epoque sale.

A. Cardoso Pinto, Cadeiras portuguesas, Lisbon, 1952, fig. 45, illustrates a Portuguese throne armchair conceived in a similar vein, circa 1741-1756, with the arms embroidered on the back of the Archbishop of Braga, now in the museum de D. Diogo de Sousa, Braga. The distinctive flat arms are a typical Portuguese feature.

Joints sound and sturdy. Attractive detail to carving. Some minor restorations with some metal strengtheners at the back. The wood is a little dry looking and would benefit from a re-polish according to taste. The front left leg and right arm support have been restored. In overall good original condition. Rare and attractive armchair.
"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."

The arms in the small shield which is held in the cresting of the embroidered coat-of-arms are those of the religious Order of Mercy.

The arms in the main section are probably those of the Alagoa family, a Portuguese family, ennobled in the 18th century.