MID 18TH CENTURY

The scrolled arms and cartouche-shaped back with padded removable seat covers are typical of grand Venetian armchairs of the mid-18th Century. A related set is at the Palazzo Albrizzi, Venice (G. Mazzariol, et al, Venetian Palazzi, Cologne, 1998, p. 145, 148). There are several similar examples: a pair was offered at Etude Tajan, Paris, 24 March 1997, lot 132. Also a related pair was sold Sotheby's London, 19 May 1995, lot 148. Perhaps most closely related to the present example is a single chair formerly in the collection of Sir Philip Shelbourne, Myles Place, Salisbury, Christie's House Sale, 25-26 October 1993, lot 57 and subsequently offered in The John Reid Collection, Christie's London, 17-18 December 1998, lot 139.