Jan 25, 2024 10:00 EST
Old Master & 19th Century Paintings, Drawings & Prints / English & Continental Decorative Arts
824
George II Mahogany Armchair
Circa 1750
Estate / Collection: The Manolovici Collection
The shell- and flowerhead- carved crest rail above an interlaced back flanked by shaped arms, the bowed seat with detached associated needlework panel, on beaded shell- and foliate-carved cabriole legs and scroll feet.
Height 37 1/2 in. (95 cm), width 23 1/2 in. (59.5 cm)
R. A. Lee, London.
Samuel Messer, bought from the above, October 1958.
Christie's, London, The Samuel Messer Collection of English Furniture, Clocks and Barometers, December 5, 1991, lot 58.
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale.
The Huguenot ornamental designer and teacher William de la Cour (1700?-1767) was a major catalyst for the introduction of Rococo design in England with his eight Books of Ornament, published annually from 1741. Chair back designs with interlaced serpentine scrolled backs, shells and foliage in his Fifth Book of Ornament useful for all manner of furniture and other things, 1743, (V & A E.240-1892), are the inspiration for this George II armchair. The maker is unknown but the sophistication of design and virtuosity of carving indicate the highest calibre of London craftsmanship.
The present lot from the Messer Collection, sold Christie's, London, December 5, 1991, lot 58, appears to be part of a larger set; other examples sold include one sold Christie's, New York, April 7, 2006, lot 230 and another, sold Christie's, London, June 8, 2006, lot 5.
A pair of almost identical armchairs but without a flowerhead-carved serpentine crest rail and a veneered rather than molded back is illustrated, M. Harris & Sons, An Abridged Introductory Catalogue of Antique Furniture and Works of Art, n.d., p. 42, no. F7815.
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Sold for $25,600
Estimated at $40,000 - $60,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: The Manolovici Collection
The shell- and flowerhead- carved crest rail above an interlaced back flanked by shaped arms, the bowed seat with detached associated needlework panel, on beaded shell- and foliate-carved cabriole legs and scroll feet.
Height 37 1/2 in. (95 cm), width 23 1/2 in. (59.5 cm)
R. A. Lee, London.
Samuel Messer, bought from the above, October 1958.
Christie's, London, The Samuel Messer Collection of English Furniture, Clocks and Barometers, December 5, 1991, lot 58.
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale.
Notes:The Huguenot ornamental designer and teacher William de la Cour (1700?-1767) was a major catalyst for the introduction of Rococo design in England with his eight Books of Ornament, published annually from 1741. Chair back designs with interlaced serpentine scrolled backs, shells and foliage in his Fifth Book of Ornament useful for all manner of furniture and other things, 1743, (V & A E.240-1892), are the inspiration for this George II armchair. The maker is unknown but the sophistication of design and virtuosity of carving indicate the highest calibre of London craftsmanship.
The present lot from the Messer Collection, sold Christie's, London, December 5, 1991, lot 58, appears to be part of a larger set; other examples sold include one sold Christie's, New York, April 7, 2006, lot 230 and another, sold Christie's, London, June 8, 2006, lot 5.
A pair of almost identical armchairs but without a flowerhead-carved serpentine crest rail and a veneered rather than molded back is illustrated, M. Harris & Sons, An Abridged Introductory Catalogue of Antique Furniture and Works of Art, n.d., p. 42, no. F7815.
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Overall good condition commensurate with age and use, 3 inch loss to right top rail molding and small age cracks to right of that, lacking the backing of the shell cresting, minor replacements to veneers, repaired breaks to both arms at junction of handholds and supports, the splat shoe loose and with repaired breaks and losses to right side of foliate-carved molding, later back corner blocks, worming, both front legs with plugs to lower sections of backs, repaired break to right front foot above scroll, patches to both back feet, old marks and scratches, minor replacements to veneers.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: Old Master & 19th Century Paintings, Drawings & Prints / English & Continental Decorative Arts, Jan 25, 2024
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Auction of Old Master & 19th Century Paintings, Drawings & Prints on January 25, 2024
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Comprising Lots 624 - 883 in the Sale
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We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Fine Art
NEW YORK, NY -- International competition drove strong results at Doyle's auction of Old Master & 19th Century Paintings, Drawings & Prints on January 25, 2024. The sale showcased a wide range of works including landscapes, still lifes, portraits and religious subjects by European artists from the Renaissance through the 19th century.
Wojciech Kossak (1856-1942) was a member of a celebrated Polish family of artists who specialized in equestrian subjects and scenes from military history. The sale featured a remarkable work depicting an historic victory of the fabled German Black Hussars over a Russian artillery unit, probably during the Seven Years’ War. Competitive bidding drove this painting to $28,800, more than doubling its estimate.
François Boucher‘s paintings and drawings are prized for their idyllic evocations of the French rococo style. Achieving an exceptional $25,600 was a lovely chalk drawing of a lady holding a birdcage. It was clearly executed by an artist who knew Boucher's style intimately, probably a member of his immediate circle.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact:
Elaine Stainton: 212-427-4141, ext 238, Paintings@Doyle.com
Cynthia Klein: 212-427-4141, ext 246, Prints@Doyle.com
