A set of ten George III painted beech and caned chairs by Francois Hervé late 18th century

with shaped backs and bow front seat rail on fluted front tapering legs and outswept rear legs, one with paper label printed Chatsworth, two with indistinct stamp 'Bc' (?), variations to painted decoration, cane distressed and overall condition poor, two chairs reduced in height (10)

Chatsworth Inventory, 1792, possibly those described on p. 26 in the Music Room Eight Chairs with Cane Backs & Seats and carved & Gilt frames.

Two from the set illustrated, Ivan Hall, A neoclassical episode at Chastworth, The Burlington Magazine, June 1980, fig. 39

In need of restoration redecorating and recaning. Poor condition. The caning is dry and brittle on all the charis with damage to the seats on 6 chairs. The paintwork is distressed. One chair has a repaired break to the back. Ordered by William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811)
"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."

These chairs can be associated with the japanned and carved chairs by Francois Hervé supplied to Chatsworth in 1782. They are possibly those referred to in Hervé's bill dated the 11th October that year, To three Dozn of Oval Backs Do (plain mouldings rails, panelled front feet flud and Counter flud, Caind back seats) worked the same as the above etc. at £1. 4. 6 (each) (Devonshire Papers). See Ivan Hall, 'A neo-classical episode at Chatsworth', Burlington Magazine, June 1980.

Hall, p. 408 (op. cit.) writes The serpentine curves of  the back are old-fashioned for 1783 though for the English market they would appear distinctly French. This French decorative flavour was exactly what Duchess Georgiana would have required. For details of her patronage of French émigré craftsman see the introduction. The Duke and Duchess visited France on a number of occasions where they bought works of art. In 1790 for instance it was the Duchess who placed orders for porcelain with the Sevres factory. Apart from the Francophile furniture made for them in England it is highly likely that they also bought contemporary French furniture including the chairs offered in this sale and the Roentgen furniture in the collection at Chatsworth.