Art Nouveau Ebonized & Hand-Carved Walnut Sculptural Chair by Giacomo Cometti

Details

Description

Elegant italian art nouveau (liberty) chair, dating to the early 20th century and attributed to giacomo cometti, whose name is … Read more Elegant italian art nouveau (liberty) chair, dating to the early 20th century and attributed to giacomo cometti, whose name is finely carved into the central cartouche of the backrest. Originally part of a matching pair, this piece is offered individually.

crafted in solid wood with a rich ebonized finish, the chair showcases refined hand-carved detailing with floral and organic motifs, characteristic of the italian liberty style. The gracefully shaped back features a pierced splat centered by a stylized floral medallion, while the upper crest rail displays an engraved monogram, adding a distinctive and collectible element.

the front legs are elegantly turned, while the rear legs are gently curved, contributing to the chair’s balanced proportions and visual lightness. The seat is upholstered in an ivory-toned damask fabric with a subtle floral pattern, finished with decorative trim along the edge.

this piece exemplifies fine italian craftsmanship of the period, with particular attention to sculptural detail and harmonious design, making it suitable for both decorative and functional use in refined interiors.

condition:
very good overall condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use. Upholstery in good condition.

materials:
ebonized solid wood, fabric upholstery, padding
measures cm: h 87/45, w 44, d 44


about giacomo cometti:
italian sculptor, furniture designer and cabinet maker

giacomo cometti (october 23, 1863 turin – january 1, 1938, turin) was an italian sculptor, furniture designer, and cabinet maker. Due to the early death of his father, giacomo joined the shop of sculptor odardo tabacchi and sculptor and cabinet maker davide calandra. While he was working in the shop, he was also attending the albertina academy of fine arts in turin, from which he graduated in 1881.

after graduation, he became a pupil of italian symbolist sculptor leonardo bistfolti working as an apprentice at his shop. This professional partnership evolved and lasted for over twenty years. At the start of this partnership, giacomo cometti collaborated mostly in the execution of bisfolti’s funerary monuments, but besides sculpting cometti was very active in the field of the decorative and applied arts and in the cabinet-making. At this time leonardo bisfolti encouraged him to focus on cabinetmaking, and oriented him to adopt the modernist style.

giacomo cometti in particular liked the liberty style. He received the sculpture award in the antwerp exhibition (1894), a medal for his work as a cabinetmaker for panels designed by bisfolti in paris (1900), and an honorary diploma at the international decorative arts exhibition in turin (1902). From this moment on cometti dedicated himself to the design and execution of furniture and furnishings, which were distinguished by their craftsmanship, their sculptural carvings, and their interlocking ligatures.

in 1903 and 1904, cometti designed the furniture and windows for the villa falcioni, in domodossola, built by architect annibale rigotti, and in 1906 he also designed the furniture for the agosti house in turin. In 1911 he created the piedmont pavilion at the turin exposition commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the unification of italy. His activity intensified after world war i, when his two son angelo, adn his daughter paola, joined him in his practice. In 1923 cometti received the grand prix of honor at the first biennial of decorative arts in monza, and during the following two years he designed and made the furnishings for the piccolo teatro of casa gualino in collaboration with painter felice casorati.

  this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less