A set of four Régence style carved giltwood fauteuils second half 19th century

Bernard Steinitz, Paris

One chair with restored cracks to one section of the apron, one leg, and one area of the cresting. Two chairs with a restored breaks to the cresting. Two chairs with small losses to the central cartouche on the apron. Gilding with rubbing, losses, and some small chips. Upholstery with minor stains. Back rail with chalk inscription "RK 1822"
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.

These fauteuils were modeled after one of the most iconic pieces of Régence furniture of the 1720s and 30s: a single armchair that is now in the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (inv. 4563), see Chefs-d'oeuvre du Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 1985, pp. 46-47. The fauteuil was at one point owned by Rodolphe Kann, who donated part of his celebrated collection, including the fauteuil, to the museum in 1888. Upholstered à châssis like their period version, the fauteuils offered here are basically identical to that now in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The only slight difference is to the carving of the cresting's central carouche. Otherwise, these four fauteuils were meticulously and beautifully carved to exactly resemble the Kann armchair.