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Pair of L.17th to E.18th C. Italian Walnut Armchairs
Decorative Pair of Late 17th to Early 18th Century Carved Walnut Armchairs each with Acanthus carved finials. The high styled baluster turned arm supports and angel carved front stretchers make this pair of armchairs similar, probably a his and hers. There has been some restoration to the rear stile, feet and arms and they are newly upholstered in Coraggio fabrics. H:45" W:26" D:18 3/4" Seat H:21.5" Seat W:23". The Social History and evolution of the chair evolved earlier than the 15th and 16th century for the Florentine chair or curule which appeared in the homes of the well-to-do. This was based on the ancient Roman sella, with the addition of a back and arm rests at a useful height. In the Winchester Cathedral there is a curule-shaped chair which was used by Queen Mary in her marriage to Philip of Spain in 1554. Coinciding with the Renaissance, in the early 16th century furniture began to be intricately carved and decorated. In some instances chairs became ornately turned. The example of the pair of Late 17th to Early 18th Century Armchairs with the carving on the stretcher, finials, and boldly turned arms illustrate the elegance of the chair probably for a wealthy patron. The influence of this beauty in the style of these chairs were possibly Byzantine in origin? In the middle of the 16th century chairs began to be upholstered. This began to be seen on the curule chair, with the back being slightly padded and a cushion supplied for the webbed seat. Until then people used their clothing to give them comfort; monks were known to bunch their habits to relieve their buttocks. In Charles II’s time (1660) upholstery began to be more sumptuous, with a thick layer of padding placed all over the framework and then covered. The depth of the upholstery and decoration of the furniture came to reflect the wealth of the family. As the styles of chairs evolved with the times throughout Europe this particular pair of armchairs truly reflect the elegant of the Venetian Style with an attractive bold red and cream stripped fabric, rich in color and the square tacks add to the touch of detail. It compliments the bold turnings of the stretchers and arms, with the Carved Acanthus finials , this is a decorative pair of his and hers armchairs. Located just south of Santa Barbara in an antique community, the store Lifestyle Antiques with decorative arts and furnishings from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection is located in the heart of Summerland, California, and offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection which varies from Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of antique home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .
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