James Moore: A George I Gilt Gesso Settee

James Moore: A George I Gilt Gesso Settee.

England, circa 1720.

An exceptional and very rare George I carved gilt gesso settee. The frame decorated throughout with outstanding carved gilt gesso detailing, the back and seat upholstered in eighteenth century French silk damask, the arm supports boldly outswept with curled terminals, the gilt gesso seat frieze further embellished with scrolling foliage and circular punchwork background, standing on elegant cabriole legs further decorated with acanthus leaves and surmounted by shells, terminating in pad feet similarly decorated.

‘This settee… is one of the most unusual items of gesso furniture recorded.’ –Norman Adams pp.26-27.

Provenance:

Norman Adams, Ltd., Knightsbrige, London.
Mallett & Son Antiques, New Bond Street, London.
Private Collection, USA.

Literature:

C. Claxton Stevens & S. Whittington, 18th Century English Furniture: The Norman Adams Collection, Woodbridge, 1983, pp. 26-27.
L. Synge, Great English Furniture, London, 1991, pp. 83-84, fig. 87.

Comparative Literature:
L. Wood, ‘A Royal Relic: The State Bedroom at Warwick Castle,’ Furniture History, Vol. 48 (2012), pp. 45-103.
H.A. Tipping, ‘Hamilton Palace,’ Country Life, 1919.
W. Rieder, ‘A Gilt Gesso Set of Furniture Traditionally from Stowe,’ Furniture History, Vol. 14 (1978), pp. 9-13.
Lanto Synge, Great English Furniture, London, 1991, pp. 83-84, fig. 87.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number