Four Carved Walnut Sgabello Hall Chairs

Northern Italy, late 19th century. The cartouche-shaped backs carved with S-scrolls and foliage above a canted rectangular seat with circular dished panel, on solid trestle supports, the front support carved with Mannerist masks flanked by scrolls.

Extravagantly carved chairs like these were particularly associated with Venice but became popular all over Europe. They have long been known as sgabelli, ultimately derived from the word scabellum (Latin for 'stool'). In Venice they often stood in sets along the walls of the portego . This was a long room, bright with reflected natural light or candlelight that was used for family celebrations, display and hospitality. Here the chairs could be moved around, and seat-cushions added as occasion demanded.