A set of six Austrian walnut side chairs, designed by Theophil Hansen (1813-1891), Viennese, circa 1875

with moulded top rails, above an oval padded back, surmounted by carved foliate and scroll ornament, with drop-in seats and turned collared legs, with conforming stretchers

By repute supplied to Ludwig Lobmeyr (1829-1917);
Private English Collection;
Private European Collection

For comparison see a chair illustrated by Heinrich Kreisel and Georg Himmelheber, Die Kunst des deutschen Möbels, Munich, 1968, Vol. III, pl. 896. This chair formed part of a large commission by Hansen for Archduke Ludwig, nephew of Emperor Franz II for the interior of his home. This extradordinary project included the complete redesign by Hansen of Hernstein Castle in an 'English Gothic' style. For this chair see fig.1.

Good overall condition. Some minor losses to carving. Particularly to bead ornament on the legs. Minor age cracks to veneers and minor old worm damage.
"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 important chairs relate to a similar chair and armchair exhibited last year in Vienna; Theophil Hansen 1813:2013, a centenary exhibition at the Wagner Werk Museum, Vienna. These were commissioned in 1870 by Gustav Ritter von Epstein for his Viennese residence the Palais Epstein (now an annex of the Austrian Parliament) and they employ similar carved and turned elements to the offered lot.

Hansen was arguably one of the most important architect-designers in 19th century Europe. His work in Vienna, played an important part in elevating the Austrian capital as the centre of the design movement in the late 19th century.

Certainly he is largely responsible for the way Vienna looks today, including some of its key public buildings (including the Parliament building and Arsenal) and private residences, most notably the Ringstraße.

Hansen was also keenly involved in the design of interiors and the items which were to furnish them. His work demonstrates a strongly felt sense of the past, an ability to fuse different styles and the influences of the period he spent working in Athens after completing his studies in Denmark are keenly felt. There is a strong sense of modernity too, a recognition of an ergonomic imperative, in this instance the incorporation of bentwood; a material and technique in manufacture that the Thonet Company was later to be so successful in promoting across Europe.