Amazing Italian Piedmont Gilded Chairs

No. R16799

Set of three most amazing Italian Piedmont gilded chairs with a foliate scroll carved crest rail above the shield form padded back.

The open arms end in lion masks and the seat is upholstered “compassed” serpentine, on cylindrical tapering legs having floral and foliate carved decoration.

 

These chairs are not only astounding in execution but in completely original condition (obviously not the fabric) with the gold not redone and in great condition (note the lion mask arms have been worn through the gold and gesso to the wood).

This originality in gilded furniture is very rare because virtually all gilded furniture gets “freshened” during its life.

 

The Italian Piedmont area is the northern top of Italy and abuts France and Switzerland - That’s why these chairs exhibit both Italian and French influence.  French influence in the mid to late 18th century in all of Europe was pervasive - most countries (from Sweden to Russia followed French designs.  Italy, though influenced, was so confident (because they were the source of most classical design) that their designs were theirs. These chairs are the exception and where they were made explains what French influence they have.

 

Ex-Property of the Minnesota Historical Society from the Mary Griggs Burke Collection 

• OriginItay
• CircaMid 18th Century
• RegionPiedmont
• Height37 1/2 in
• Width23 1/2 in
• Depth22 in
• Price$18,500.00