- 447
A Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Walnut Easy Chair, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1755
Estimate
300,000 - 600,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Mahogany
- Height 45 in.
Retains a dark rich historic surface on its legs.
Provenance
Charles Woolsey Lyon, Millbrook, New York.
Literature
Appears to be the example advertised in The Magazine Antiques, May 1971 by Charles Woolsey Lyon and is described as a “supreme example” … achieving “an appearance reminiscent of a true thoroughbred.”
Condition
Secondary is yellow pine, oak and poplar; later screws securing crest rail to stiles; both sides of the upper section have upholstery removed; both front legs have been broken and repaired on the back sides; inscribed frame restored by Paul Coda, Hartford Connecticut, 1973; proper front right leg has been cracked and re-glued; proper right front knee return has been replaced.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The American easy chair form originally served as an invalid chair in the seventeenth century and had become by the mid eighteenth century a very costly status piece displayed in the finest rooms of the house. The tall back, shaped wings, horizontally rolled arms, bowed seat rail, outward thrusting rear legs and front cabriole legs with carved knees and claw feet identify this example as the most expensive version of its form made in Philadelphia, where the price book for 1772 lists such chairs “with Claw feet & leaves” [on the knees] at £3-5-0 in mahogany.
Displaying the art of the upholsterer and carver, this handsome easy chair is distinguished by its broad proportions, pronounced C-scroll arms, high relief flowerhead- and acanthus carved knees, graceful ankles, and bold claw feet with well-articulated talons. A similar Philadelphia easy chair is in the collection of Winterthur Museum and illustrated in Joseph Downs, American Furniture, Queen Anne and Chippendale Periods, New York, 1952, no. 88. Another of mahogany with a history in the McClenachen family of Philadelphia is illustrated in William M. Hornor, Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture, 1935, p. xiii.
Displaying the art of the upholsterer and carver, this handsome easy chair is distinguished by its broad proportions, pronounced C-scroll arms, high relief flowerhead- and acanthus carved knees, graceful ankles, and bold claw feet with well-articulated talons. A similar Philadelphia easy chair is in the collection of Winterthur Museum and illustrated in Joseph Downs, American Furniture, Queen Anne and Chippendale Periods, New York, 1952, no. 88. Another of mahogany with a history in the McClenachen family of Philadelphia is illustrated in William M. Hornor, Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture, 1935, p. xiii.