catalog text
FINE REGENCY CARVED MAHOGANY CURULE BENCH
England, circa 1815
Item # 403PHK02S
Inspired by Greek antiquity, the present example is a very finely made "curule" bench of the Regency period. Executed in mahogany and mahogany veneers, the stool showcases a perfect sense of balance - note the graduation of curves, first gentle in the dish of the seat, more severe in the arch raising the seat and nearly full demilune in the arch of the legs to the ground.
Each of the four corners are embellished with rosettes carved in bas-relief motif characterized by a circular arrangement of symmetrical patterns radiating outward to resemble the opened blossoming flower viewed from above. It is a stylized arrangement with a series of lobes in an almost arabesque pattern surrounding the raised beads of the interior.
The legs are locked in place with a fore-aft turned baluster stretcher and the joints are secured using original wrought-iron brackets from the underside. They rest over exquisitely carved sabots with fully developed acanthus motifs, the lower recesses nearly black from the oxidization of the early finish.
Measurements: 18 1/8" H x 21" W x 15 1/4" D
Condition Report:
Fine old historical surface with variation and wear, a rich patination; old shrinkage cracks; tip of leaf on acanthus carvings of one sabot replaced; some veneer loss near the corner paterae and edges; sturdy and tight joints, ready to place.