A suite of Louis XVI carved giltwood seat furniture attributed to Nadal L'ainé, circa 1780

comprising six fauteuils, each with a medallion-shaped padded backrest within a ribbon frame above outscrolled padded arms and bowed padded seat, on stop-fluted tapering legs terminating in toupee feet, upholstered with Aubusson pastoral tapestry incorporating central frame cartouches with floral swags, enclosing figures of children on the seat backs and animals on the seats, against a cream coloured ground, and a similarly carved and upholstered sofa, with matching tapestry woven with a central cartouche enclosing a figural landscape on the sofa back, and animals on the sofa seat, flanked by exuberant flowering baskets and floral swags, and complimentary firescreen

Sotheby's London, French Furniture, 16 June 1995, lot 80 (£46,462)

The firescreen with marks, scratches and minor losses consistent with age and use and visible construction cracks. There is a small loss to the giltwood on the top right side of the frame, visible from the catalogue photograph. The armchairs with marks, scratches and minor losses to the giltwood consistent with age and use, and with some overall tarnishing and wear to the gilding which has been retouched in places but would nonetheless benefit from a light cleaning according to taste.There are traces of woodworm which appears to be no longer active. Two armchairs each with one leg broken and repaired; two further armchairs with a very old restoration to the right back leg; another armchair with a small breakage to the back. The later and now exposed springs sustaining the original upholstery are in need of some attention. The sofa in similar condition, with one area of repair c. 15cm. long on the left side of the upper backrest frame. The Aubusson pastoral tapestry is dirty and has some areas with distressed areas of silks, for example the backgrounds of he cartouches, which need attention. Some areas already repaired and stable. Tapestry at front of seats is in distressed condition. The later passementerie braid attached to edges is loose in areas, and needs reattaching. The back of the seats are lined with apricot coloured silk, which is distressed and in need of some attention. The firescreen has distressed silks, exposed nails around the edges, and is in need of some attention.
"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."

Born in 1733, Jean-René Nadal L'ainé was received maître in 1756 and, until 1780, produced pieces of the highest quality for the Court and the Comte d'Artois (1757-1836) in the Louis XV and Louis XVI style. 

A pair of smaller fauteuils featuring nearly identical carving and stamped Nadal L'ainé, were sold in these rooms, Important Continental Furniture, 4 December 2007, lot 77A.