17th Century Wingback Chairs

A museum quality, late-17th century, walnut, upholstered sleeping armchair • Exceptionally rare model; one of the first models of upholstered armchair with the addition of the wings intended to conceal draughts. • Transitional form : many of the carved features are characteristic of Baroque furniture dating from 1680 and the incorporation of upholstery is influenced by the desire for comfort post restoration of Charles II introducing French fashions to the English court. • Striking, statement piece. The cresting, “H” stretcher and scrollwork carving which features throughout the chair inject gravitas. • Practical size and ergonomic comfortable design, suitable for regular use. The original, carved, walnut cresting supported by a pair of dragons with scrollwork either side of a central stylised leaf spray. The shaped rectangular back with wings. The sweeping arms with carved scroll ends supported by tapering turned uprights emerging from blocks. The rectangular seat supported by double scroll carved and column turned legs joined by an ‘H’stretcher which mirrors the shape of the back in the centre with finial, column turned side and back stretcher and back legs. Exceptional original colour and patina. c.1690. CONDITION : re-upholstered in a recreation of 17th century, Italian, bargello embroidery which is characteristic of the period. Tiny marks, wear and losses as expected throughout the armchair. The finial is a C19 or early C20 replacement. The stretcher has suffered from worm damage and there are replaced sections at either end of 1” and 1½ “ respectively, and an area to the left of the finial has been filled. This work was not done by me and has some age to it and the finial was probably replaced at the same time. The armchair is sturdy and suitable for regular use. PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Cheyne Walk, London RELATED : Few sleeping chairs...

Oversized, stately armchair of comfortable proportions, leather covering with beautiful patina and accentuated with brass studs, turned legs and stretchers.