A Victorian Mahogany Curule Chair After a Design by Thomas Hope, Circa 1850

Christie's London, 15 September 2005, lot 209;

Where acquired by Aso O. Tavitian

This Grecian inspired chair demonstrably illustrates the influence of the celebrated arbiter of early Regency taste Thomas Hope (d. 1831). The chair relates to a design illustrated in Thomas Hope, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. XX, no. 5. The design was described by Hope as ‘after the manner of the ancient curule chairs.’ (David Watkin and Philip Hewat-Jaboor, eds., Thomas Hope: Regency Designer, New Haven and London 2008, pp. 398-99, no. 79). Hope’s folio bought about a change in the interior decoration of houses. His style generally referred to as ‘English Empire’ was furthered by contemporary designers and cabinet makers such as Thomas Sheraton and continued well into the 19th century.