A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS circa 1750

each back with a dished paper scroll crest rail carved with scrolled leaves flanked by shaped uprights continuing to cross at the top of the vase shaped splat pierced in the gothic manner with waved uprights, the drop in seat within a bowed solid seat rail with a shaped apron, the cabriole legs carved at the knees with foliage within C-scrolls and with plain shaped brackets, and supported at the front on claw-and-ball toes, the plain slightly cabriole legs at the back with pad feet and joined by a turned stretcher.

The Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, Accession numbers, 1970, 1221 A and B
Sold, Sotheby's, New York, January 26, 27, 2000, lot 264

Overall very good condition with very good old waxed patination with good depth and contrast of the color between the carving and the flat surfaces. Usual old scratches and scuffs overall, the carving slightly worn on the top rail. Small losses and replacements to some of the talons. One drop-in seat frame later.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These unusual chairs were possibly made in the North of England, as shown by the profile of the back legs which are joined by a single turned stretcher. Also of note is the vigorous asymmetric-carved scrolled acanthus leaf carving on the knees, and the finely sculpted claw and ball toes with their open pierced talons. The pierced backs of these chairs are related to several designs for chairs published by William de la Cour in a First Book of Ornament, 1741.

For other chairs from this suite see:
Sotheby's, Parke Bernet Inc., New York, October 21, 1978, lot 387, a set of four
Sotheby's, New York, January 25, 1986, lot 145, possibly the above chairs