Italian, Lombardo-Veneto
Armchair (Poltrona da parata), 1650-1699
Walnut and pine, 117.5 x 69 x 44 cm (46 1/4 x 27 3/16 x 17 5/16 in.)
This is an open-sided Italian armchair of richly carved dark walnut and pine with a square back and seat. Both surfaces are thinly upholstered in a brocade fabric of black, brown, gold and turquoise, on a gray background. The wooden frame is exposed. The armrests are attached to the back with a carved, swirling piece. From there, they gently slope downwards to the arm supports, where they end in a tight spiral. The front stretcher connecting the two front legs is very wide and carved in a dramatic swirling pattern. The four legs, reinforced by side stretchers and a cross stretcher, are shaped like turned balusters, with alternating round and square sections. The front legs end in a block foot whereas the back legs are each sustained by spherical supports.
Veronese Room
Commentary
This chair, from the Lombardy or Veneto region of Italy, has turned baluster legs, arm supports, stiles, and an H-stretcher. In contrast to these compact, organized forms, the front stretcher is boldly carved with large, dramatic leaves that intertwine and project outward. The curved arms descend from the brackets carved with large leaves that curl forward.
The leather upholstery is not original and was probably added at the end of the 19th century. Isabella purchased the chair in Venice.