Pair of armchairs in carved, gilded and lacquered wood, Venice, mid-18th century, Louis XV

Pair of armchairs in carved, gilded and lacquered wood, Venice, mid-18th century, Louis XV Dimensions: cm H 118 x W 68 x D 70, seat 46 cm Price: confidential negotiation Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This refined pair of Louis XV armchairs was made in Venice in the mid-eighteenth century. The structure is made of finely carved, lacquered, and gilded walnut wood. It features a backrest with a carved and openwork summit element with a plant-like and shell-like ornament, characteristic of the rocaille style. The backrest is curvilinear and well-proportioned, making the armchairs comfortable and usable. The armrests are curved and end with a curled carving. The legs are also curved and arched and have a rounded foot decorated with leafy motifs. The band under the seat has a rich central decoration, in carved and openwork wood, also with rocaille ornaments. A particular type of care is evident in the sculpture of the ornaments, where some leafy elements appear to overlap the volutes, giving softness and movement to the decorations. This effect is particularly noticeable on the uprights of the legs, where the sculptures take on shades of purple. The wood of the structure is lacquered in bluish tones and gilded. The gold creates highlights that embellish and lighten the rich decorations. The armchairs are very sturdy and can be used as furnishing elements against walls in entrances, living rooms, or corridors, but also as head chairs, next to sofas, or in a bedroom and study. An intervention of 19th-century restoration of the gilding and lacquering is reported.