Carved Renaissance Revival Dantesca Chair with Lion Heads, France, 19th C.
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An impressive carved Dantesca chair (sedia dantesca), also known as a Savonarola chair or fauteuil Dagobert, in the Renaissance Revival style: an armchair with crossed X-legs, armrests ending in fierce lion heads and a pierced crest with dragons and a coat of arms. Bought in France, probably French, second half of the 19th century to early 20th century.
Design
The armrests end in carved lion heads, a winged mascaron between acanthus scrolls sits where the legs cross, and the feet end in volutes. The backrest has a pierced crest with dragons and a coat of arms, above a panel of floral brocade with brass decorative nails. The seat is also decorated with engraved scrolls. This type of chair was made in large numbers in Italy and France in the second half of the 19th century and around 1900, in the fashion of the Renaissance Revival. The carved hardwood (probably walnut) has a deep, genuine patina.
Condition
Used, with clear signs of age. A few pieces of carving on the crest of the backrest have broken off or chipped, and an old repair with an inserted piece of wood is visible on the back. The lion heads have old woodworm holes. The seat has been restored: on the outside, the end rail has been replaced with a new piece of wood that is slightly lighter in colour, and the seat board has a lengthwise shrinkage gap. The finish is worn on the raised parts. The chair is sturdy. Please see the photos for details.
Dimensions: height 91 cm (backrest), width 71 cm, depth 73 cm, seat height 38 cm
In the interior
Instantly brings atmosphere and history to a room, as a throne in the hall or as a sculpture in the living room. Suits a classic, castle or eclectic interior, and makes an exciting contrast in a sleek, modern or industrial interior.
Keywords: Dantesca chair, Savonarola chair, sedia dantesca, fauteuil Dagobert, Renaissance Revival, carved armchair, lion head chair...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Brocade Seating
MaterialsBrocade, Hardwood