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Neoclassical Armchair (Poltrona) with Lion’s Head Motifs
Naples, Italy, circa 1785-1795
Painted wood
H: 36 1/4 W: 22 3/4 D: 25 1/4 inches
#JF001065
This rare Italian armchair, or poltrona, has finely detailed neoclassical motifs, including lion head form hand rests. In contrast to the crisp which paint, elements have been painted dark green in imitation of patinated bronze, following a fashion in Naples and Sicily of representing metal finishes with paint. The form, with exaggerated curule back, and carved decoration, with acanthus molded details, of this chair closely follows French models, in particular documented examples by Georges Jacob, whose work was well known in the Neapolitan court of King Ferdinand IV.
