A pair of Italian carved giltwood and polychrome laquered banquettes, Roman, ensuite with the following lot, mid 18th century

each with a serpentine padded seat with outward scrolled arms pierced seat-rail on cabriole legs terminating in inward scrolled feet, the whole carved with trails and swags of flowers and leaves

In overall good conserved condition. Joints sound and sturdy. Attractively carved. The backs are painted. Some minor chips to carving. Some hairline construction cracks at the joints but these are not too noticeable. Some scattered very minor losses to carving which is hardly noticeable. Evidence of old minor worm to the rear which appears to be no longer active. Some minor retouching to gilding and lacquer.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Alvar Gonzáles-Palacios, Fasto Romano, dipinti, sculture, arredi dai  Palazzo di Roma, Palazzo Sacchetti, Rome, 15^th May-30^th June 1991,Tav. LXIV, cat. 121, p. 178.
Goffredo Lizzani, Il mobile Romano, Milan, 1970, p. 96-97, figs. 162 and 164 and p. 39, fig. 76 and 77, p. 105, fig.181.

The absence of a seat back and the boldly scrolling arm rests are a typical feature of Roman banquettes of the mid 18th century. The inventiveness of the design combined with the very fine foliate motifs depicted in gilt and polychrome colours make this pair a very fine example of Roman sculptural seat furniture in the third quarter of the 18th century.

Floral motifs can also be found on a chair in the Doria Pamphilj collection in Rome, illustrated by Alvar Gonzáles Palacios, op. cit, p. 178, which in turn can be compared in terms of decoration to a series of chairs coming from Villa Chigi, via Salaria in Rome. The armchairs were the work of the ebenista and sculptor Nicola Carletti who not only worked for the Cardinal but also for other princely families.

A set of four Roman banquettes of similar conception, painted in pale green and with parcel gilding was sold in these Rooms, 13th December 1996, lot 110 (£88,000).

Also see a pair of giltwood armchairs with polychrome flowers and leaves on the frame attributed to Nicola Carletti and dated to the third quarter 18th century sold in these Rooms, 8th December 2009 , lot 14 (£72,000).