Neapel, first half of the 19th century
Mahogany massive and veneered.
The legs are carried by pawn-feet with across fluted border, rectangular upholstered seats and backrests.
The fully plastic carved sphinxes on the ends of the armchairs, whose stretched back wings lead over to the backrest, are impressive.
With spectacular excavations and rediscovered wall paintings, Neapel became a cultural attraction for art connoisseurs and artists from all over Europe at the turn of the 19th century.
The ordered furniture at that time for residences in town and in Caserta show typical Empire decoration like sphinxes, winged lions, amphoras or palms – though in moderate proportions and more with focus on elegance than on exuberant pomp.
Height 96 cm, width 60 cm, depth 75 cm.