MAHOGANY SWIVEL READING CHAIR c. 1755

An unusual and rare mahogany swivel reading chair with a show wood back rail upholstered on the front side to allow for use to both sit in to use as a desk chair as well as to straddle for reading, having extraordinary and boldly carved acanthus leaf termini on the seat rail, the seat upholstered supported by a large steel frame that is screwed onto a board that sits on a metal support held by the legs. The four carved legs, originally with casters, are carved with attenuated acanthus forms and terminating in cabriole legs finished with a scroll. This is one of the most unusual chairs of this form that I have ever seen. Ht.30”, Seat ht. 18 1/2”Width 25”, Depth 22” 

Similar to several continental examples, a French chair at Chateau Ecouen dating from the 1500’s, and a walnut Italian chair pictured in Levy, Saul, “Il Mobile Veneziano del Settecento” 1964, Plate 25.