serpentine

Furniture form characterized by a undulating, central, convex (protruding) surface with concave ends. Reverse serpentine forms exhibit a concave center portion and convex edges. (See also arbalette.)

Antiques from Our Gallery

Item No. 1185

Exceptional, Venetian, Rococo period, Lacca Povera commode scriban

The rectangular top above the slant-front, opening to a writing surface with a central pigeonhole flanked by four short drawers, above the serpentine-fronted body with two long drawers, the paneled sides, raised on cabriole legs.

Lacca Povera (also known as "Lacca Contrafatta") was a form of art originating in Venice incorporating decoupage (the cutting out of figural or natural forms), which are adhered to a solid surface, painted and hand-engraved, and then covered with a layer of layer of lacquer.

Mid-18th century.

50" wide by 43" high by 22¾" deep

Item No. 803

English, George IV period, giltwood and upholstered confidante

In solid, carved giltwood. Of serpentine form with four seats, the whole resting upon casters. Circa 1825.

58" diameter by 38" high

Item No. 1054

Very fine, French, Louis XV period marquetry commode

Of serpentine form with gilt bronze mounts and original Rouge Royale marble top. Stamped "I.C. SAUNIER".

Item No. 1037

Very fine, French, Louis XV period buffet

Of "galbé en arbalette" (serpentine) form in solid, carved walnut. Circa 1750 from Provence.

59" wide by 26½" deep by 40" high

Item No. 999

Pair of very fine, Venetian, Rococo period tall-back armchairs

Each cartouche-shaped backrest with pierced foliate carved top rail, the downswept scrolled armrests, above the serpentine-fronted seat above a pierced apron, raised on cabriole legs with scrolled toes; upholstered à chassis. Circa 1730. Regilt.

48" tall (at back), 18½" tall (at seat) by 27" wide x 21½" deep

Item No. 851

Fine, French, Louis XV period, giltwood chaise longue

The padded backrest with serpentine top rail continuing to padded wings, the shaped rails raised on cabriole legs; the whole carved with foliate scrolls, shell motifs and seed pods. Mid-18th century.

37½" high by 33½" wide by 76" long

Item No. 843

Fine, French, Regence period, carved giltwood console

With veined pink marble serpentine-fronted top above a shell and foliate frieze on crosshatched and diagonal reeded ground, raised on foliate-carved double scroll cabriole legs terminating in "pied de sabots." Circa 1725.

30¼" high by 31½" wide by 17" deep

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