A fine pair of Italian carved giltwood armchairs, Roman late 18th century

each with a rectangular padded back, the top-rail with an alternating band of stylised bellflowers, anthemions and 'S'-scrolls, the fluted side-rails surmounted by palm leaves with downscrolled arms on fluted flaring baluster leaf carved supports above a rectangular padded seat, the seat-rail carved with lunettes, on leaf carved fluted tapering front legs terminating in ball feet and and rear sabre legs; reblocked and undecorated on the backs

Pope Leo XIII, born Pecci, Rome
Thence by descent to his nephew

Gilding less greenish and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue illustration. Very strong model. Very attractive detail to carving. Old very minor marks and chips commensurate with age and hairline construction cracks at joints, which can easily be filled or left. Evidence of old very minor worm, which appears to be no longer active. Joints sound and sturdy. There has been some retouching to the gilding and there is a slight variation in the ball feet and it is possible that the two which are of more tapering form are later replacements. Attractive model 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:
Valentino Brosio, Mobili Italiani dell'Ottocento, Milan, MCMLXVIII, p. 50, fig.c for an armchair with a similarly carved seat-rail in Casa Praz, Rome, reproduced here in fig. 1.
G.Morazzoni, Il Mobile neoclassico Italiano, Milan,1955,  Tav XIII, fig. b, for a console table circa 1780, in the Villa Borghese, after designs by Asprucci, with a frieze carved with a  similar design to that on the top-rail of these armchairs, reproduced here in fig.2.