Luigi Frullini

executed in Florence
carved walnut

Euro Fine Art Ltd., Geneva
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Ian Wardropper and Lynn Springer Roberts, European decorative arts in the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, 1991, p. 138 for a variant of the present lot
Simone Chiarugi, Botteghe di Mobilieri in Toscana 1780 - 1900, Florence, 1994, pp. 474 - 477 for a discussion on the work of Luigi Frullini

In good overall conserved condition with some typical sings of old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use. There is some minor movement along the lines of construction notably to the lower left hand grotesque and the upper wing of the right arm which has undergone some restoration. These are both secure and only noticeable under close inspection. The feet and stretched have some chips consistent with use. There are some signs of old worm which is no longer active to the back seat rail. The signature to the top left shoulder is clear and visible.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Luigi Frullini (1839-1897) was a celebrated woodcarver and sculptor based in Florence specialising in Renaissance revival furniture and objects from his Florentine workshop at 8 via Santa Caterina. After exhibiting works and winning two prizes at the National Exposition in Florence in 1861, Frullini went on to participate in a succession of international fairs in Dublin, London, Paris, Philadelphia, Turin, and Vienna. Indeed, in the years following the exhibitions, he obtained important commissions for the daughter of Queen Victoria, and for the daughter of the Grand duchess of Russia (S. Chiarugi, op. cit., pp.312-315 and 474-477). Two further variants of this highly elaborate carved walnut throne armchair are in the permanent collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A further variant of the present model can be seen in a period photograph of circa 1915-20, Alinari Archives, Florence.