A fine and unusual neoclassical mahogany and silvered bronze

A fine and unusual neoclassical mahogany and silvered bronze mounted chair with integral parquet platform concealing a retractable footrest
Possibly North Italian. Circa 1800.
Measurements
Height: 29 3/4" (75.5 cm); Width: 24 1/2" (62 cm); Depth: 20" (51 cm).

Research:
Of mahogany and silvered bronze. Of circular form with elongated pierced back and scrolled arms set at the top with silvered flowerhead paterae and fronted by a silvered harebell trim, above a conforming seat resting on four tapering bipodal legs terminating in silvered cloven hooves, mounted on a square parquetry plinth containing an upholstered retracting footrest, the whole raised on old but replaced roller casters. Possibly lacking some mounts to seat rail.

This innovative chair is constructed on a moveable parquet veneered platform, and has the added feature of an integral, retractable footrest concealed within the plinth. Its elegant neoclassical design is light and refined, enhanced by decorative silvered harebell trim and flowerheads. It represents a subtle example of the unusual, even experimental, development which took place in the design of furniture during the nineteenth century, a period that “witnessed a craze for the most novel, exotic and technologically impressive furniture that could be devised.” Furniture for the library or study in particular benefitted from mechanical and metamorphic invention, such as chairs that transformed into library steps and desks of adjustable height.

Full research report available on request.