Italian chairs made from vase-shaped boards of wood have long been known as sgabelli, derived from the word scanno (Italian for 'stool'). They were often highly ornately carved, and would have been very uncomfortable to sit on without a thick cushion, held in position by a circular dished area carved into the seat. This sgabello formed part of a set that belonged to Jules Soulages (1803-1856), a lawyer from Toulouse. His collection was bought piecemeal by this museum, after being exhibited at Marlborough House between December 1856 and January 1857. Many pieces, including this example, were heavily restored, or made up of a mixture of old and new pieces.
Physical description
Sgabello type chair, partly gilt. The support in front is carved with strapwork, terminal figures, masks, etc. with a shield of arms in the centre, described by Pollen as 'argent and gules, per fess, over all a cross ancré of the tinctures of the field counter-changed' (two tau crosses, one inverted over the other, painted in red and white). The back is fan-shaped, with perforated acanthus scrollwork, flanked by terminal figures and surmounted by two sphinxes forming a pediment.
The back is fitted to the seat using the three vertical mouldings which pass through the seat and are wedged. The chair is heavy and the joints generally tight. Possibly constructed using old seats and fronts. Gesso is visible below the gilding.
Place of Origin
Venice (made)
Date
1560-1600 (made)
1830-1850 (restored)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Walnut, carved
Dimensions
Height: 48 in, Width: 20 in
Object history note
Bought for £15
RF 49/3234
Historical context note
See Clive Wainwight, 'Models of Inspiration' in Country Life, June 9, 1988 pp 266-267 which includes an illustration of a chair from this group, within a discussion of the acquisition of Soulages' collection.
Descriptive line
Sgabello chair, carved walnut, Venice, 1560-1600
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
John Hungerford Pollen, Ancient & Modern Furniture & Woodwork (London: George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode, 1874), 110.
“5685. ’59. CHAIR. Carved chestnut wood, partly gilt. The support in front carved, with strap work, terminal figures, masks, &c., with a shield of arms in the centre ; the back fan-shaped, with perforated acanthus scroll work, flanked by terminal figures, and surmounted by two sphinxes forming a pediment. Italian (Venetian). About 1560. H. 4 ft., W. 20 in. Bought (Soulages Coll.), 15l.”
Labels and date
Label text c.1930 while displayed in Tapestry Court: South-West Block. North Side. [gallery 44 ‘East Central Court’ c.1909-1952]
CHAIR (sgabello).
Walnut carved in openwork in gilt, with painted heraldry.
Arms of Surian di Venezia.
VENETIAN; about 1560.
5685-1859.
[1930]
Production Note
Possibly remade in 19th century using some old parts
Materials
Walnut
Techniques
Carving
Subjects depicted
Sphinxes; Acanthus; Masks; Strapwork; Terminal figures; Coats of arms
Categories
Furniture; Household objects
Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
