An Aubusson tapestry upholstered carved oak armchair, probably Liègeois circa 1740

with an arched rectangular back above a serpentine padded seat on cabriole legs, the frame carved with flowers, leaves and rocaille

Fischer-Böhler, Munich

 

 

Colour far less green and more brown and natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Joints sound and sturdy. Attractive detail to carving. It appears that the end of the arms where they join the supports have been restored as they have a dark coloured filler. An impressive size. In overall 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."

Comparative Literature:
Joseph Philippe, Le Meuble Liègeois à son Age d'or (Le XVIIIe Siècle, Liège, 1990, p. 96, plate 193, for a chair with a top-rail of similar outline, described as Régence Liègeois, in the Musée d' Ansembourg, Liège. There appeared in Liège during the rococo period between 1740 and 1765, a chair that one could identify as typically Liègeois, with stuffed seats covered in silk or velvet and sometimes even tapestry. The cabriole legs often terminate in scrolls or hoof feet and have this unusual top-rail  known as `dossier à barrettes chantournées', as on the present armchair. There are further examples of these types of chairs in the ancien l'hotel du Baron Maurice de Sélys Longchamps and the château de Waleffe (Province de Liège).