Venetian Illustrated, Polychrome, Gilt, and Leather Gondola Chair, c. 1820

An absolutely stunning and rare circa 1820 museum-worthy Venetian gondola chair with illustrated panels, polychrome finish, parcel-gilt decorations, and original leather upholstery. Presented in its extraordinarily well-preserved and unaltered antique condition. . Features fifteen finely-done and delightful hand-painted and découpaged vignettes on all four sides, each depicting an intriguing Venetian scene or fauna specimen that rewards those who lean in for a closer look. . Most vignettes depict groups of women in various activities: dancing, laughing, lounging, courting, cavorting with children and cherubs, and traipsing about the Italian countryside. The main image on the front shows two well-dressed men alongside a finely attired woman, with St Mark’s Campanile in the background. The image directly opposite it on the back depicts what was perhaps the outcome of this encounter: two men in robust physical disagreement beside an overturned chair. Six different birds and a pair of what appear to be black foxes round out the wonderful all-over imagery. . They’re set against a brilliant red lacquered background with intricately-patterned hand-painted yellow and emerald green polychrome inserts with gilt borders. The gracefully executed bombé curves of the three-paneled seat with its rounded back and undulating arms transition smoothly to dramatically extended outrigger-like splayed legs with scroll-style tips and embellishments, all accented by parcel-gilt trim from top to bottom. . Equally notable is the seldom seen fully intact original coffee-brown leather upholstery. It features a lovely stylized floral and foliate embossed pattern, and is secured around its perimeter by brass tacks that have acquired a handsome natural patina. And a curious surprise awaits those who look under the muslin-lined seat cushion: a spacious secret compartment hidden beneath a leather-covered hinged wood lid. . In the 1500s, there were an estimated 10,000 Venetian gondolas of all types; in the late 1800s, there were approximately 4,000; now they number around a mere 400. This rare gondola chair is the ideal of its type, and may have once even served as a special seat for a very important passenger. More than two centuries later, we suspect that we’re unlikely to soon see another offered quite like it, let alone stateside in such superb antique condition. . Its elegantly sculptural form, striking decorations, and beautiful materials and finishes are a testament to the skill and artistry of the master craftspersons, woodworkers, and artisans who brought it to fruition. . Dimensions overall: Height: 38.38 in Width: 37.25 in Depth: 23.5 in Seat Height: 23.75 in Arms at outside edge are 20.75 inches wide. Seat cushion is W 11 in. x D 14.5 in. Hidden compartment is 11.75 inches deep. . Condition: Good Repaired: Front and back original leather panels of seat cushion professionally re-secured into place in the same hand-sewn manner as they were done so originally. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In great original antique condition. Some mostly small nicks, chips, and marks. A few larger chips and losses along edges and to a spot on front. Cosmetic crack to finish on back, commonly seen. Leather with some minor discoloration and crackling.