A pair of Italian carved giltwood armchairs, in the rococo manner, Roman, late 18th/19th century

each with a cartouche shaped padded drop-in back, the top-rail centred by a pierced stylised scallopshell above downscrolled arms and serpentine padded drop-in seat on cabriole legs terminating in scrolled feet, the frame carved with acanthus leaves and rocaille

Sebastian Schutze, Palazzo Sacchetti, Rome, 2003, p.106 and p. 132, where two are illustrated in the Stanza Fatti Mitologici.
Caroline Vincenti, Palaces of Rome, London, 1997, one partially illustrated p,114.

In overall good conserved condition. Gilding more golden and natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Joints sound and sturdy. Old very minor marks and chips commensurate with age and normal usage. Hairline construction cracks at joints which are normal and can be left. Evidence of old minor worm which is no longer active. Some minor wear to the gilding in parts as visible from the photo.
"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 González-Palacios, Il patrimonio artistico del Quirinale, I Mobili Italiani, Milan, 1996, p. 324, no. 138.
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Rococo in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d’Interni dal 1738 al 1775, pp. 156-157 no. 35.
Goffredo Lizzani, Il Mobile Romano, Milan 1970, p. 104, no. 178, p. 105, no. 180, p. 105, no. 182.

This palatial set of sumptuously carved armchairs numbering eight armchairs in total together with a sofa en suite relate to a group of similar design with variations in the carving which were usually utilised to furnish the vast interiors of the palaces of the Roman aristocracy, see for example Carlo Pietrangeli, Palazzo Ruspoli, Rome, 1992, pp. 13, 126, 133-134 and 287 which has similarly carved rocaille motifs with floral sprays on the seat back. The dating of this set and the following lots en suite including the sofa reflect the fact that sets of similar palatial seat furniture was also made in the 19th century, see for example, A.G.P. op. cit., 1996, p. 324, no. 138 and p. 325, no. 138, for an almost identical set dating to the third quarter of the 19th century including three sofas, twelve armchairs and eighteen chairs recorded in the inventory of the Quirinal Palace, Rome post 1872.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Colle op. cit., p. 157, for a very similar example illustrated in a Private collection. The aforementioned armchairs date to the middle years of the 18^th century, however, their design remains very much in the Roman Baroque style.  Another similar example is in the Instituto Romano di San Michele, see Lizzani, op. cit., p. 105, no. 180. Also see Alvar Gonzales-Palacios, op. cit., 1991, p. 165, no. 99 and 1996, pp. 287-289, nos. 106-108.

Various chair makers are cited by Colle for these type of armchair including one in the Pinacoteca Capitolina which could be part of a series by Pietro Sagripante for the Sala del Trono also known as the Camera del Arazzi. Furthermore, Cardinal Corsini gave a commission in 1735 for a chair to Marco Ducci followed by various other sets of armchairs. Ten years later in 1745, another craftsman is mentioned-Lucino Cittadini, who supplied seat furniture for Palazzo Corsini and also Tommaso Cleri. Finally, Nicola Carletti supplied in 1755 an armchair for the Pope’s visit and Francesco Palombi is cited in the bills of Corsini as the gilder for this seat furniture aswell as for the  console tables in the palazzo.

A similar armchair was sold in these Rooms, 13^th December 2000, lot 230. A related set of six armchairs was sold in these Rooms, 13^th December 1996, lot 91.