A most unusual set of four neoclassical marquetry inlaid chairs and a settee

A most unusual set of four neoclassical marquetry inlaid chairs and a settee
Possibly Parma. Late Eighteenth Century.
Measurements
Settee - Height: 38" (96.5 cm); Height to seat: 19" (48.3 cm); Width: 51" (129.5 cm); Depth: 22" (55.8 cm). Chairs - Height: 38" (96.5 cm); Height to seat: 19" (48.3 cm); Width: 19"(48.3 cm); Depth: 16" (40.6).
Research:
Of mixed woods and mother of pearl inlay. Each chair with rectangular open back centered by a shaped splat in the form of a neoclassical vase above a conforming upholstered seat. The pierced seat rail with carved and inlaid oval decoration centering the sides, the front with two carved mermen in an embrace. The whole raised on four faceted tapering legs on a turned foot. The bench of conforming design, the open backrest centered by a neoclassical vase flanked by x-form open splats with a flowerhead at the central intersection, from which issues upholstered arm rests with scrolling handles on carved shaped supports. The open seat rail centered by carved embracing mermen, flanked by carved oval supports which repeat on at the sides. The whole raised on eight four faceted tapering legs on a turned foot.

These remarkable chairs and canapé exemplify the taste in the later part of the eighteenth century for furniture inspired by the newly discovered archeological finds from the classical world, and are distinguished by their neoclassical marquetry inlay, and unusual carved decoration featuring pairs of mermen. The carvings are especially notable in that each pair is an individual couple, unique in their physiognomy, rather than a singular stencil repeated across the suite.

The fantastical, maritime subject matter, and marquetry inlay in figured woods places the suite within the oeuvre of decorative arts found in Lombardy, Northern Italy in the second half of the eighteenth century. This region, and the surrounding centers of Parma and Genoa, were renowned for the inventive and experimental qualities of their furniture design. The inventive, experimental design of the vases which form the backsplats also tend to the distinctive style of Parma-made furniture, undoubtedly inspired by the influential work of Petitot.

Full research report available on request.