Antique Carved Mahogany Savonarola Folding X Figural Dragon Throne Arm Chair Seat

Description

Antique Savonarola mahogany Campaign arm chair. Features a serpentine X frame with dragon / lion head arms featuring a figural female bust by the shoulder between an open back and paw / claw feet.

The Savonarola chair design comes from the ancient Roman X-shaped chair that was very popular in medieval Italy. It can be plain or carved, solid or made to fold. Some are inlaid with ivory or metal, and some have a cushioned seat. The chair was given the name Savonarola in the 19th century, after Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian priest in Florence from 1494 to 1498. He preached against the excesses of the people, predicted the Last Days and organized the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497. Mirrors, cosmetics, immoral sculptures, gaming tables, musical instruments, fine clothes and artwork were burned in a huge fire in the main square. When the Last Days didn't come, his followers revolted, he was excommunicated and then, in 1498, he was executed. None of this has anything to do with the X-shaped chair that was given his name. But even stranger, the chair is called a Dante chair in Italy and a Luther chair in Germany.

Condition

Good antique condition, wear and distressing commensurate with age and use, finish loss, missing back support.

Dimensions

21.5" x 26" x 34.5"h, seat 19"