Lot Essay
The ball finials clasped by leaves on the arm-rests of these chairs are a motif seen on the documented work of John Linnell, such as the set of armchairs supplied to Robert Child for Osterley Park, Middlesex, circa 1768, and on a set of seat furniture supplied to John, 5th Duke of Argyll for Inveraray Castle, Argyll, circa 1775-78 and illustrated in H. Hayward and P. Kirkham, William and John Linnell, London, 1980, Vol.II, figs. 72, 87 and 89. The chairs at Inveraray and a similar set sold by Mr. Edward Sarofim, in these Rooms, 16 November 1995, lots 122-5, have square-cut legs, whereas ours have turned and fluted legs very like the Williams-Wynn suite, sold by Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, Bt., Sotheby's, 19 November 1993, lot 87. The latter suite was confidently attributed to Linnell.
A closely related giltwood open armchair was sold anonymously, Christie's New York, 26 October 1989, lot 116.
A closely related giltwood open armchair was sold anonymously, Christie's New York, 26 October 1989, lot 116.