Pair of Italian Neoclassical Side Chairs with Swans and Lyre from the 1850s

This pair of Italian Neoclassical style walnut side chairs from the mid-19th century features slightly concave pierced backs, marrying perfectly the sitter’s body. On each chair, the top rail is carved with a delicate succession of stylized waterleaves. However, the eye is immediately drawn to the pierced splat, made of graceful swans delicately flanking a lyre. This is a direct reference to the Sun God Apollo, whose attributes are the lyre and swans. The skirt, simple in appearance, receives on the knees beautifully carved rosettes, reminiscent of the Louis XVI taste. The chairs are raised on two round tapered legs in the front with foliage décor and two saber legs in the back, showing the evolution from the Louis XVI souvenir towards the Empire lines. The chairs have been recovered with muslin upholstery and nailhead trim. Elegant and refined, with their classical décor inspired by the Antiquity, the simple lines of these Italian side chairs, circa 1850 make them a wonderful asset for any room.