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Italian Renaissance Chair

About the Item

Over the course of five centuries of use, this Italian Renaissance walnut chair has acquired a rich patina. Its austere form is relieved by the sensuously carved back splat and front stretcher. We purchased the chair in Paris from Pierre Le-Tan, the celebrated artist and collector who was photographed on it when his studio was published in The World of Interiors in 2018 But its earlier provenance remains a mystery, despite two tantalizing clues: a large “F. R.” painted on the rear legs in a 16th or 17th century script, and a turn of the 20th century Italian shipping label affixed to the underside of the seat. This label states that the chair was to be shipped “with no great speed” to a gentleman in Paris named César something-or-other, who lived at number 7 rue de la something. How annoying that the collector’s surname is now illegible, as is his exact address, which might allow us to trace his identity.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40.75 in (103.51 cm)Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Depth: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)
  • Style:
    Renaissance (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1600
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1061422096252
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