Stock Code: 2341 - SOLD

Description: A pair of George II mahogany hall chairs, of excellent original colour and patina. The chairs of sgabello form, the shaped backs each bearing a painted armorial crest with the motto "Esse Quam Vinere" above a solid dished seat and shaped solid front supports.

Further Information: The arms depicted on these chair backs are for the Leigh family of Cumberland but interestingly the arms denote that a Mr. X married a Miss Leigh of Cumberland, that she had no brothers and her father?s testamentary injunction was that her husband should change his name to, and adopt the arms (adding a black corner) of Leigh.

A sgabello is an Italian term for a specific type of backstool or moveable seat furniture typical of the Italian Renaissance. The term chair (sedia) usually signified an armchair, a seat of some hieratic importance. Italian Sgabelli are generally made out of walnut and consist of a thin plank or panelled back and an octagonal seat, supported on shaped plank supports, strengthened by a stretcher, which may be turned. This seat would often be placed in hallways, and was often carved with a family?s imprese or emblem drawn from its coat-of-arms. It was not intended for lounging in comfort. English seats of this period (like the pair here) often followed this classical Italian shape.

Condition: Excellent. Minor old restorations, waxing.

Country of Origin: England

Origin/Age: English, George II, circa 1755.

Provenance: Private collection UK

Dimensions: Height 41.00 inches (104.14cm) Width 18.00 inches (45.72cm) Depth 20.00 inches (50.80cm)