Pair Neoclassical Style Painted, Gilded Armchairs, Italy, Circa 1875

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Pair Neoclassical Style Painted, Gilded Armchairs, Italy, Circa 1875

About the Item

A pair of beautifully painted Neoclassical style armchairs from Italy circa 1875. These elegant armchairs epitomize the combination of symmetry and balance that defines the continuing allure of neoclassicism that swept through Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. The artisan of these chairs knew the power that could be evoked by using both carving and paint to create a startling sense of immediacy in a sculptural fashion while crafting a functional piece of furniture. Please use the zoom feature on our website to appreciate the intricate placement of the carved details as well as to see the pleasing combination of the cream coloured paint embellished with gilding. The crest rail at the top of each chair possesses a slight curve to the profile and provides a marvelously flat surface upon which to showcase a handsome pattern of carved swags contained within a rectangular reserve. The border of the reserve has a lined border of beading and the three blossoms that the swags are suspended between are placed exactly in the centre of the rectangular space. The depth of the carving is quite substantial and this depth, combined with the gilding, give a wonderful sense of three dimensional reality. The inward curve of the back supports and the inward sweep of the arms from the front to the back also enhance this sense of movement and serve to focus attention on the large decorative carving of a pair of outward facing swans flanking a open pilaster of three vertical elements. Both of the swans are shown with their long neck extended downward while the detailed wings showcase the wings. Each swan is standing upon a shaped platform with both legs and feet fully visible. Please do note the slightly subtle differences between each bird indicative of the hand carving that distinguishes the quality of these chairs from mass produced examples. Also note the bold use of gilding against paint that also bring these swans to life and serve to enhance their sculptural appearance. Another wonderful detail is the use of a raised border all along the profile edge of the chair frames that are embellished with the gilding. This restrained use of gold adds to the depth of field perception provided by the carving that would be far less apparent if the gilding was not used. The arms of each chair end in a rounded form with a large circular medallion on top that serves to cap each column support that connects the arm to the seat frame. Both of these columns that support the arms are entirely cylindrical in shape and contain a fluted detail divided by a ring and encircled at the base by a collection of acanthus leaves. Again the contrast between the cream paint and the gilding gives a direct contrast that is quite pleasing. A design detail that is quite Italian is the square shape of the seat and the manner in which the seat comes to a complete corner at all four points unlike a French or English neoclassical chair. The apron of the seat is also squared off in appearance with a recessed rectangular shaped frieze that is entirely smooth in its surface adornment. Take a moment to look at the back legs and see that they are set at a forty five degree angle to the seat as they swoop back in a sabre leg configuration. This is another detail seen on Italian chairs that differentiates them from other countries. Both front legs on each of the chairs are turned from a single length of timber and combine both square and fluted as well as carved decorative features to give them a defined impact. The elegant tapered shape to each leg emphasizes the difference in the decoration and the gilded detail that contrasts with the paint is a continuation of the treatment seen in the rest of the chair that gives them such an arresting appearance. In another Italian trait the seats of these chairs are actually made of woven cane as opposed to being solid wood or covered with upholstery. Instead the seats were fitted with loose cushions filled with down which could be fluffed after each time they were used. The cane provided ventilation during warm months and the ability to use loose cushions meant the appearance of the chairs could be changed as often as desired. These chairs are as appealing for use in a well designed room nowadays as when they were first created in the nineteenth century.

Dimensions:
Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Painted
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1875
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EEJ411stDibs: LU86681112800