A carved oak armchair, probably Liège or Northern France circa 1740

with a rectangular pierced back above a baluster splat carved with stylised bellflowers above a serpentine padded seat upholstered in later gros-point needlework, on cabriole legs terminating in block feet, the frame carved with foliage, scrolls and rocaille; reblocked

Fischer-Böhler, Munich

Old minor marks, old chips and scratches commensurate with age and usage. Joints sounds and sturdy. Evidence of an old minor restoration on the reverse of the side-rails where the arms join. In overall good original 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."

Comparative Literature:
Joseph Philippe, Le Meuble Liègeois à son Age d'or (Le XVIIIe Siècle), Liège, 1990, p. 95, figs. 186, 189, 191.

Philippe, op. cit., plate 186, illustrates a Régence armchair conceived in a similar vein to this armchair. Also see, plate 189, of the same publication for a side chair with similarly carved top-rail and shaped splat. It is also worth considering a design that the aforementioned author illustrates in plate 191, for two chairs with similarly shaped backs to the present example, by the Maastrichtois Matthias Soiron (1748-1834), in the Rijksarchief Limburg, Maastricht.
For further information on Liége seat-furniture, see footnote to lot 120.