Grand fauteuil en bois recouvert de plaques d'argent, Amérique du sud, XIXe siècle

the pierced and padded extensive back rest with arms terminating in a scroll, the upholstered seat above cabriole legs on claw and ball feet joined by an x-form stretcher, the wooden frame covered with repoussé silver decorated with scrolling foliage and floral motifs throughout, the back with a crowned crest with the image of Our Lady on an arch, flanked by rampant lions, the back rest ears with figures of archangels

Overall good condition, construction sound and sturdy. Silver in good condition but claw and ball feet very worn. There are very small repairs to silver. The velvet upholstery worn, especially the back. Silver with some areas darkened which can be polished.
"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."

La taille impressionnante de ce siège et la présence d'éléments iconographiques sacrés laisse à penser qu'il a été commandé pour un prélat. Son style baroque exacerbé insicte à penser qu'il a été exécuté en Amérique du sud. On connait le goût prononcé des vice-rois du Pérou et du Rio de la Plata pour les objets repoussés en argent mais les sièges sont peu communs.

The impressive scale of this armchair with its religious iconography suggests that it was made for an ecclesiastical setting. Following 18th century European models, with its cabriole legs, claw and ball feet and scrolling arm ends, the present lot shows an exaggerated design, emphasized by the richly decorated silver surface, which would be very much in context in the South American Baroque churches.

Both the vice-royalties of Peru and Rio de la Plata were known for their repoussé silver objects but mounted furniture is quite rare and more commonly seen on boxes or mirrors, normally originating from present day Bolivia.

A pair of similarly shaped armchairs, produced in the Rio da Plata region, and most likely from the same workshop, was exhibited in Paris (Argent d'Argentine, Paris, Hotel de la Monnaie, 1992, cat. no. 297) (sold Sotheby’s New York, French & Continental Furniture, 16 April 2004, lot 59, $22,200). Another related pair, with the coat-of-arms of Don Nicolas de Arredondo y Pelegrin (1726-1802), fourth Viceroy of Rio de la Plata, was sold at Sotheby’s Paris, 2^nd December 2004, lot 20 together with a mirror and console (€48,000).