A pair of Italian Neoclassical carved giltwood and cream-painted armchairs Tuscany, circa 1820

also illustrated on page 54

Old wood worm damage. Gesso with chips and losses, gilding with rubbing and wear. Paint also with losses and later inpaint. Losses to gilding touched up with gold paints mainly to feet. Usual scratches, marks, and chips consistent with use and age.
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.

Inspired by the engravings of the French architects, Percier and Fontaine, Italian designers, especially those in Tuscany, integrated Empire motifs, such as the lion monopodia and the cornucopia into their early nineteenth century furniture. The ballroom at Villa Demidoff featured a suite of chairs and sofas with lion monopodia arm supports ending in paw feet, see Alvar González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, vol. II, Milan, 1986, figs. 383-4. A pair of almost identical but entirely gilded armchairs was sold Sotheby's Milan, July 14, 2000, lot 645 and another similar gilded pair was sold Sotheby's New York, June 12, 1999, lot 385.