- 305
A pair of George III painted beech and cane window seats by François Hervé, circa 1783
Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description
- beech and cane
- 41cm. high, 175cm. wide, 36cm deep; 1ft. 4½in., 5ft. 9in., 1ft. 1½in.
each rectangular cane seat above a frieze decorated to three sides with reserves punctuated with applied stylised flower heads supported by six turned and fluted tapering legs
Provenance
Ordered by William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811) or Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (1757-1806)
Literature
Chatsworth Inventory, 25th October 1819, described in the Billiard Room; '6 long stools in white painted frames and cane seats';
Ivan Hall, 'A neoclassical episode at Chatsworth', The Burlington Magazine, June 1980, p. 408, 'One of the sets of caned window stools also has a little floral ornament and these were presumably the set supplied for the window recesses of the Gallery.'
Ivan Hall, 'A neoclassical episode at Chatsworth', The Burlington Magazine, June 1980, p. 408, 'One of the sets of caned window stools also has a little floral ornament and these were presumably the set supplied for the window recesses of the Gallery.'
Condition
Good 'Country House' condition though the painted decoration is stained and has some chips. Some petals missing to the flower head decoration and further minor losses to the moulding. One leg has a loose joint and fracturing at this site. One leg with new strengthening bracket. One seat appears to be re-caned. Both re-decorated and with typical estate repairs.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
One of the benches detailed in a bill from François Hervé dated 14th May 1783: '31 To 'Six Window Seats, 5ft. 9in. long, Rails pannel'd feet turned & flud.. Caind. seats...............at £1..15..9............... For the Gallery'.
These benches relate closely to other seat furniture supplied by Hervé for the 5th Duke. The stylised flower heads set within linear reserves and finely carved fluted legs appear on chairs produced by Hervé in 1782 for the same room and are illustrated in Hunt's watercolour of the 'Gallery' (now the Library), 1822. In the 5th Duke's day this space was furnished with white painted furniture and panelling.
These benches relate closely to other seat furniture supplied by Hervé for the 5th Duke. The stylised flower heads set within linear reserves and finely carved fluted legs appear on chairs produced by Hervé in 1782 for the same room and are illustrated in Hunt's watercolour of the 'Gallery' (now the Library), 1822. In the 5th Duke's day this space was furnished with white painted furniture and panelling.