A pair of George III painted and parcel-gilt side chairs in the manner of John Linnell circa 1775

each arched backrest above a pierced stiff-leaf carved splat flanked by C-scrolls and joined by husk-swags, the serpentine-fronted over-upholstered seat above a conforming apron centered by a patera flanked by palm fronds, raised on fluted cabriole legs headed by honey-suckle flowers above pendant bell flowers.

The Estates of Mary P. Clarlisle and Jay F. Carlisle, removed from Rosemary, East Islip, Long Island

Sold, Parke-Bernet, New York, January 11-15, 1938 lot 1268

Overall fair restored condition; original painted decoration with extensive losses and now with overpainting; appearing to retain old gilding which is stable; structurally sound; small chips and losses to gilding in places; later corner blocks; each front rail with a later wood piece to the top and with a plug to the center to the interior edge; front feet appear to be tipped.
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.

The design of the present chairs relates to the work of John Linnell particularly to a drawing of an armchair, circa 1770-75 now in the V&A collection (V&A E. 101 1929) and illustrated in Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham, William and John Linnell, New York, 1980, p. 45, fig. 86.  An armchair with almost identical backrest from the Estate of Wendell Cherry, sold in these rooms, January 21, 1995, lot 154A and illustrated, Geoffrey Beard and Judith Goodison, English Furniture 1500- 1840, Oxford: Phaidon Christie's Limited, 1987, p. 161.