Probably written by Peter Thornton, 1976 ARMCHAIR ITALY (Venice). c. 1700 Carved boxwood, the upholstery of modern silk velvet, with fringing The acanthus carving resembles printed designs by Johann Indau, Romanische Ziehrathen (before 1685), Mathias Echter, Fogliami romane (1679) and others. The technique of the carving is close to the work of Andreas Brustolon (1662-1723). This chair is probably an important Venetian example of the international acanthus style. It was formerly at Eastnor Castle. W.6-1976 [01/01/1976] This chair is made of carved boxwood and has recently been reupholstered with domed padding and elaborate fringes, to re-create the appearance it might have had when it was new. The acanthus ornament on the wood is similar to Italian-influenced designs by Johann Indau (Romanische Ziehrathen, published before1685) and Mathias Echter (Fogliami romani, published in1679) but it is also similar to the exuberantly carved furniture made in Venice at about this time by Andrea Brustolon (1662 - 1732). This chair once belonged to Charles Somers, 3rd Earl Somers, (1819 - 1883) of Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire. Somers was a great collector of Italian Art.