Settee

Dateca. 1725

MediumWalnut, walnut veneer, beech, gesso and gold

DimensionsOH: 44 3/4"; OW: 80 3/4"; OD: 20 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-96

DescriptionSettee back composed of three, conjoined chair backs, joined at shoulders, each composed of: a pair of shaped and scrolled stiles, molded and gilded on outer and inner edges, with gilt scrolls on outer edge just beneath shoulders; stiles curve over and inward at top to form cresting rail, merging into top of splat; area at center of cresting rail above splat, filled in with large, gilt, stylized foliage on either side of central husks above a small, molded shell; solid, elaborate, vase-shaped splat, surrounded by gilt border, gadrooned at upper shoulders; at center of splat is a large, central, vase-shaped ornament, slightly intaglio and gilded; ornament consists of a trefoil top above a tapering, center section terminating in a smaller, reversed trefoil at base; ornament is filled with raised, molded decoration of baroque scrolls, crosshatching and bellflowers; at base of splat is a small, trefoil-shaped medallion, intaglio, gilded and filled with molded bellflowers in center; splats mortised into high, molded shoes, gilded on upper edges; long essentially rectangular seat, veneered on front and sides; front of seat scrolls in and out, with three, recessed sections corresponding to splats, each section with gilded, trefoil medallion with dependant scrollwork at center; pair of flattened, slightly scrolled and shaped arms, scrolled forward at front; each arm supported by C-shaped arm support, molded and gilded on outer edge; four cabriole front legs, each knee framed in a molded and gilded cartouche extending upward to top of seat rails; each knee frames in a molded and gilded cartouche extending upward to top of set rails; each knee decorated with gilt, vase-shaped cartouche, similar to that on splat, but with central foliage replacing the crosshatching on back; scrolled shoulders, gilded and decorated with gadrooned molding; small band of gilding at center of leg below knee; legs terminate in gadrooned molding; small band of gilding at center of leg below knee; legs terminate in unusual, rounded hoof feet on pad with gilt bellflower at ankle; four rear legs of identical form, but only two outside legs decorated, and only on outside edges.

Materials: Primary: walnut and walnut veneer; Secondary: beech frame and slip seat frame, gesso and gold
Label TextThis settee and its mate, together with at least a sozen matching side chairs and four stools, were once part of the furnishings of Worsborough Hall in Yorkshire, England. They epitomize the late baroque style of composite S-curves supported by "horsebone" feet and highlighted by gilt ornament that contrasts with the rich, smooth grain of the walnut.

A similar set of backstools and sofas in the Victoria and Albert Museum were produced for Sir Robert Walpole of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, England around 1725-1730 by Thomas Roberts Jr. of London. The similarity in design of the walnut and gilft carved legs and seat rails suggest that Roberts could possibly be the maker of the Wrosborough Hall chairs and settees as well.
Markings"II" on brace beneath seat and on slip seat frame
ProvenanceAccording to information supplied by dealer this settee was formerly at Haynes Park, Bedforshire, and then owned by Mr. John Holms, at Formakin, Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Scotland. It was exhibited at the "Four Georges Exhibition," 25 Park Lane, Lot 59, March 1927.

Exhibition(s)