Neoclassicism was a cultural movement that inspired art and architecture during the 18th and 19th centuries. This pair of Italian armchairs was hand-carved circa 1830 and features not only Neoclassical forms, but hand-painted imagery representative of the period.

Both rails of the chair backs have been painted with green ground beneath golden Neoclassical scenes depicting a group of cherubs enjoying leisurely activities (all four scenes are unique ). An X-shaped connector supports the two rails and has been painted cream with green accents on the edges. This palette continues along the rest of the frame, accompanied by golden embellishments painted on the rail edges and on protruding rings on the arm stumps, front legs, and side rails. Green foliate vines twist their way along these same elements, while the apron of the seat is adorned with a green lozenge pattern filled with slender flowers. In the center of the front apron is a painted rectangle of green beneath a golden floral rinceaux beneath a lobed vase. The colorful frames are accented by vibrant silk cushions with a variegated color scheme of pink, cream, green, and yellow, paired with golden corded gimp. A beautiful pair of Neoclassical armchairs, the upright form allows the chairs to be added as functional décor to high-traffic areas such as an entry, hallway, or living room.

CONDITION: Strong antique condition. Commensurate paint losses. Minor losses to wood, such as one of the finials, while the other finials were replaced during old repairs. Other existing restoration work includes reinforcement of the caning under the seat, allowing more recent cushions to be added. Very light wear to the gimp on edges of cushions.