Lot 85
  • 85

A PAIR OF LOUIS XV CARVED GILTWOOD FAUTEUILS À LA REINE, CIRCA 1750, ATTRIBUTED TO JEAN AVISSE |

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

the back of the frame finely incised, now upholstered in beige silk

Condition

Despite some losses to the gilding, this pair of fauteuils presents extraordinary carved details and is in overall good condition. Minor scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. Upholstery in good condition. Ready to place.
"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

This exquisitely crafted pair of fauteuils bear close relationship to the oeuvre of Jean Avisse (1723-after 1796), reçu maître in 1745, who produced furniture pieces to private clients such as the Marquise de Chabannes, the Comtesse de Fontenay and the Chevalier de Lamott. Jean Avisse is recorded as employing the sculptors Jean-François Baillard, Pierre Rousseau and Claude Vinache and to have also worked on occasions with the sculptor Nicolas Heurtaut, which would explain as well the occasional similarities between their works. 

Characteristics of Avisse's fauteuils are stiff uprights, wide mouldings and very little carving. His more elaborately carved works as, possibly, the present examples are 'always masterpieces of execution, featuring finely detailed carving and unusual motifs.' (B. Pallot, The Art of the Chair, Paris, 1989, p. 299) 

The shape and finely sculpted motifs found on these fauteuils is similar to existing examples stamped by Avisse, such as those illustrated in P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIe siècle, Paris, 2002, p.34, no.a. with overlapping leaves. A pair of fauteuils sold Sotheby's New York, 23 October 2013, lot 120 and two sofas, one B. Pallot, op.cit. p.33 - formerly in the Espírito Santo Collection - and the other Sotheby's Paris, 17 December 2002, lot 107, display similar burgeoning roses on the apron and/or on the top of the legs.