Italian, Veneto
Set of Fourteen Side Chairs (Sedie da parata), late 17th century
Gilded wood, 117 x 51 x 40.5 cm (46 1/16 x 20 1/16 x 15 15/16 in.)
This set of fourteen Italian side chairs, which date from the late 17th century, are made of gilded wood. The seats and backs are upholstered in a pale coral damask fabric that has shell, scallop and floral motifs woven into it. The backs have a gentle upward curve at the center top. The front square legs are heavily carved with a vine motif, a square knob near the bottom, and sit on squat round feet. The side and cross stretchers are gracefully curved. Some wear and peeling is apparent on these pieces.
Dutch Room
Commentary
There are two different front leg designs on this set of fourteen chairs. Six have legs with squarish cross-sections. The other eight have a faceted vase form. They were likely made for the same building, but different rooms, in the late 1600s in the Veneto region of Italy.