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$9,500
Monumental set of 10 Italian Renaissance Revival dining chairs, circa 1860-1880. Includes 2 armchairs with carved lion head terminals and 8 matching side chairs. Each chair features an elaborately carved and pierced crest rail with double-headed eagle flanking a central shield cartouche, topped with acanthus leaf. The eagle and foliage retain traces of original polychrome paint in green, red, and gold over a giltwood base - this “Venetian polychrome” finish is highly desirable and proves age vs later reproductions. The uprights have barley twist/solomon columns with carved rosette blocks at stretchers. Upholstery is neutral linen with antique brass nailhead trim - recently redone and ready for dining use. The lion head arm terminals on the 2 end chairs are fierce and beautifully carved, a signature detail of Italian Renaissance Revival “throne chairs”. These were inspired by 16th-century Savonarola chairs but made larger for 19th-century dining rooms. They make a dramatic statement around a long dining table or as throne-style accent chairs in pairs. The carving is deep relief and matches the Italian painted furniture and consoles you’ve been listing.
