Venetian Illustrated, Polychrome, Gilt, and Leather Gondola Chair, C. 1820

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An absolutely stunning and rare circa 1820 museum-worthy Venetian gondola chair with illustrated panels, polychrome finish, parcel-gilt decorations, and original … Read more An absolutely stunning and rare circa 1820 museum-worthy Venetian gondola chair with illustrated panels, polychrome finish, parcel-gilt decorations, and original leather upholstery. Presented in its extraordinarily well-preserved and unaltered antique condition.

Features fifteen finely-done and delightful hand-painted and découpaged vignettes on all four sides, each depicting an intriguing Venetian scene or fauna specimen that rewards those who lean in for a closer look.

Most vignettes depict groups of women in various activities: dancing, laughing, lounging, courting, cavorting with children and cherubs, and traipsing about the Italian countryside. The main image on the front shows two well-dressed men alongside a finely attired woman, with St Mark’s Campanile in the background. The image directly opposite it on the back depicts what was perhaps the outcome of this encounter: two men in robust physical disagreement beside an overturned chair. Six different birds and a pair of what appear to be black foxes round out the wonderful all-over imagery.

They’re set against a brilliant red lacquered background with intricately-patterned hand-painted yellow and emerald green polychrome inserts with gilt borders. The gracefully executed bombé curves of the three-paneled seat with its rounded back and undulating arms transition smoothly to dramatically extended outrigger-like splayed legs with scroll-style tips and embellishments, all accented by parcel-gilt trim from top to bottom.

Equally notable is the seldom seen fully intact original coffee-brown leather upholstery. It features a lovely stylized floral and foliate embossed pattern, and is secured around its perimeter by brass tacks that have acquired a handsome natural patina. And a curious surprise awaits those who look under the muslin-lined seat cushion: a spacious secret compartment hidden beneath a leather-covered hinged wood lid.

In the 1500s, there were an estimated 10,000 Venetian gondolas of all types; in the late 1800s, there were approximately 4,000; now they number around a mere 400. This rare gondola chair is the ideal of its type, and may have once even served as a special seat for a very important passenger. More than two centuries later, we suspect that we’re unlikely to soon see another offered quite like it, let alone stateside in such superb antique condition.

Its elegantly sculptural form, striking decorations, and beautiful materials and finishes are a testament to the skill and artistry of the master craftspersons, woodworkers, and artisans who brought it to fruition.

Dimensions listed are overall. Arms at outside edge are 20.75 inches wide. Seat cushion is W 11 in. x D 14.5 in. Hidden compartment is 11.75 inches deep. See less