A pair of Italian carved giltwood and petit and gros point covered armchairs, Venetian circa 1730

each with an arched rectangular back above downscrolled arms and serpentine padded seat, the seat-rail centred by a scallopshell on cabriole legs terminating in scrolled feet, the frame carved with flowers and leaves on a stippled ground; with original webbing and with the number 12 inscribed in ink on the underside, reblocked, the needlework worked in wool and silk with a central peiti-point standing figure, surrounded by exuberant foliage and flowers in gros-point

Joints sound and sturdy. Old minor restorations generally especially to the knees of the front legs. The gilding is nicely worn on the arms revealing the red bole commensurate with age, as visible from the catalogue photograph. Some very minor losses to gilding. Beautifully carved, in overall very good conserved 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:
C. Alberici, Il Mobile Veneto, Milan, 1980, p. 241, fig. 349-350.
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del'700, Vol. I, Milan, no,. 1958, tav. LXII.
Clara Santini, Mille Mobili Veneti, Vol. III, Modena, MMII, p. 202, fig. 315. 

This impressive pair of armchairs with an arched back, boldly scrolled arms, deep scallopshell carved apron and s-scrolled legs carved with flowers and foliage on a stippled ground, is reminiscent of French Régence models during the first quarter of the 18th century. Various Italian variations on this model are recorded, see Santini, op. cit., p. 202, fig. 315, for a similarly carved armchair dating from the second or third quarter of the 18th century, originally from Palazzo Mocenigo-Robilant, Venice and now in the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Isola di S. Giorgio Maggiore, Venice.
A related armchair which was originally acquired from Pietro Accorsi the legendary Turinese dealer, was sold from Villa Bombrini, Christie's London, 11th December 2001, lot 15.