LATE 18TH CENTURY

The chair, with its veil-draped 'Apollo' sunflower medallion and palm-wrapped legs, is designed in the George III French antique fashion of the 1770s as promoted by George, Prince of Wales. It is close in design to patterns for 'cabriole' chairs and sofas published by A. Hepplewhite and Co. in The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, 1788, pls. 10, 11 and 23. Apart from its toprail, its pattern corresponds to that of a pair of white and gold armchairs sold by Mrs D. L. Conner, in these Rooms, 18 July 1963, lot 57. The latter, with their palm-flowered cresting, also appear to be en suite with a settee sold anonymously, Sotheby's New York, 18 October 1997, lot 147. The seat-rail and legs of this chair are virtually identical to a suite of furniture, the origin of which is unknown, although a pair of chairs was sold by the late Mrs. Robert Tritton, Godmersham Park, Kent, Christie's house sale, 6 June 1983, lot 125. A further pair from the same suite was sold by the late Sir Philip Shelbourne, Myles Place, Salisbury, Wiltshire, Christie's house sale, 25-26 October 1993, lot 99.