Dantesca chair (Dagobert armchair) with lion heads and mascaron – Renaissance Revival, 19th century

Carved Dantesca chair – Renaissance Revival with lion heads, from France

An impressive Dantesca chair (sedia dantesca), also known as a Savonarola chair and in France as a fauteuil Dagobert: an armchair with crossed X-legs after the Italian Renaissance model. This chair is richly carved: the armrests end in fierce lion heads, a winged mascaron between acanthus scrolls sits where the legs cross, and the feet end in volutes. The backrest has a pierced crest with dragons and a coat of arms, above a panel of floral brocade with brass decorative nails. The seat is also decorated with engraved scrolls.

This type of chair was made in large numbers in Italy and France in the second half of the 19th century and around 1900, in the fashion of the Renaissance Revival. We bought this chair in France. Comparable chairs are offered by dealers and at auction as ’19th century Italian Renaissance Revival Savonarola chair’.

Why we chose this piece

The carving is detailed and expressive, and the chair has a deep, genuine patina. It instantly brings atmosphere and history to a room, as a throne in the hall or as a sculpture in the living room.

Style and interior

Suits a classic, castle or eclectic interior, and makes an exciting contrast in a sleek, modern or industrial interior.

Dimensions: 71 cm wide, 73 cm deep, 91 cm high (backrest), seat height 38 cm
Material: carved hardwood (walnut), brocade, brass decorative nails
Style: Renaissance Revival
Period: second half of the 19th century – early 20th century
Origin: bought in France, French
Condition: used, with clear signs of age. A few pieces of carving on the crest of the backrest have broken off or chipped, and an old repair with an inserted piece of wood is visible on the back (photos 16 and 12). The lion heads have old woodworm holes (photo 10). The seat has been restored: on the outside, the end rail has been replaced with a new piece of wood that is slightly lighter in colour (photo 15), and the seat board has a lengthwise shrinkage gap. The finish is worn on the raised parts. The chair is sturdy.

Price:
€ 575

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