Monumental 18th Century Italian Walnut Sofa Settee

Impressive, Extraordinary Size 18th Century Italian Walnut Sofa/Settee with Original Flame Stitch Upholstery. This sofa or settee is of huge scale, measuring more than eight feet in width, and dates from the early 18th century, probably made in or around Florence. The show frame elements are in walnut with turned stretchers joining a series of eight legs with block feet. The walnut is nicely patinated. The upholstery is believed to be original to the settee and is in flame stitch or bargello work, a technique perfected in Florence and named after a series of chairs with similar upholstery which were made for the Bargello Palace. The needlework covers the seat, the wing-type arm supports and the inside portion of the back, the reverse of the sofa being covered in plain fabric. A sofa of this scale would once have graced an important building. (#3930)