Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Corner Armchair

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A 19th century Italian Renaissance Revival corner armchair carved from solid walnut, finished in a deep, lustrous patina that brings … Read more A 19th century Italian Renaissance Revival corner armchair carved from solid walnut, finished in a deep, lustrous patina that brings every detail of the sculpture to life. A winged cherub crowns the curved crest rail, carved in full relief and gazing upward between scrolling foliage. Below, two pierced splats rise between three baluster turned columns, each carved with addorsed griffins amid acanthus scrolls, a motif beloved by the Italian Renaissance and embraced anew by its 19th century admirers.
Set on the diagonal, the frame turns a single leg toward the room, with the front corner block carved with a rosette above a ring turned leg. A boldly scrolled apron is carved on both sides, and the seat is upholstered in a scrolling damask patterned velvet finished with nailhead trim.
The Renaissance Revival flourished in the second half of the 19th century, when Italian workshops looked to the palazzi of Florence and Rome for inspiration, celebrating cherubs, mythical creatures and architectural turnings through masterful hand carving. Corner chairs were favored in libraries, studies and drawing rooms of the period, where they filled an angle with sculptural presence.
Placed in the corner of a library, entry or bedroom, it brings Old World character and a collector's touch to a contemporary interior, and is equally striking beside a writing desk or a fireplace.
Circa 1880s
Measures 29.5H x 27.5W x 26D; 16.5H
Available at Inessa Stewart's Antiques, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. See less