Carved Italian Walnut Armchair In The Style Of André Brustolon Late 18th Century

Italian ceremonial armchair, made in Venice at the end of the 19th century, in the taste of Andrea Brustolon (1662-1732), undisputed master of Venetian Baroque sculpture. This work is part of the historicist tradition, highly prized in the second half of the 19th century, which eruditely revisits 17th-century Baroque models.

The seat adopts a monumental, theatrical form, akin to a throne-chair, characterized by a high, slightly arched back and a deep seat. The widely developed armrests rest on figures sculpted in the round, creating a dynamic, narrative composition.

Each armrest is supported by a full-length male figure, treated with great expressiveness, whose powerful proportions and slightly contrapposto posture are reminiscent of Baroque Atlantes. These figures seem to carry the structure of the seat, accentuating the sculptural and architectural effect of the whole.

At the back, finely sculpted putti enliven the ends of the armrests, providing an iconographic and stylistic contrast with the main figures, in a typically Venetian vein.

The set is crafted in solid walnut, a wood favored for high-quality carving due to its density and fine grain. The sculpture, entirely in full relief, bears witness to masterful workmanship:

• precise modeling of faces and expressions
• naturalistic rendering of anatomies
• meticulous treatment of draperies, with deep, nervous folds
• finely incised details of hair and ornamental elements

The surface retains an antique patina, with traces of wear revealing the underlying layer in places, giving the object visual authenticity and enhanced decorative character.

The base rests on curved legs joined by an X-shaped brace, centered by a turned top motif, a frequent element in Italian neo-baroque furniture. The ends of the legs are carved with scrolls and stylized zoomorphic motifs.

The balance between structure and sculpture is particularly successful: the load-bearing elements themselves become narrative supports, in the tradition of works attributed to Brustolon.

Very good structural condition. Visible wear from use on protruding parts, consistent with age, particularly in patina. Later upholstery and fabric.

height - 131 cm
width - 88 cm
depth - 80 cm
seat height - 47 cm