Italian, Trentino-Alto Adige
Set of Six Chairs (Sedie), about 1800
Cherry, 92.5 x 44.3 x 39.2 cm (36 7/16 x 17 7/16 x 15 7/16 in.)
This set of Italian cherry chairs dates from about 1800. The seats are upholstered in a red and pink damask fabric. The back splats are pierced and contain a center plaque with carved parted curtains. The center of the top rail is decorated with draped floral garlands. The center of the front apron has a circular floral medallion plaque with draped garlands below. The front fluted legs have bobbins at the tops and taper to small feet. The rear legs and stretcher appear to be plain.
Titian Room
Commentary
These chairs are supported by fluted front legs that taper towards pear-shaped feet. At the tops are turned bobbins. In contrast, the stiles are simple pots connected by a stretcher. Plaques carved with corollas mark the centers of the rails. The back consists of a square frame with an arched crest. Centered on the pierced splats are plaques draped with parted curtains. Each chair has a different geometric or foliate motif within the plaque.
Although the chairs possess a simple elegance, the Neoclassical motifs are handled in a summary and schematic fashion. The slighly naive quality of the carving, and the fact that many elements have been left unadorned, suggests that they were made outside the major urban centers of northern Italy.
Although the chairs possess a simple elegance, the Neoclassical motifs are handled in a summary and schematic fashion. The slighly naive quality of the carving, and the fact that many elements have been left unadorned, suggests that they were made outside the major urban centers of northern Italy.