An Important Mid-18th Century English Rococo Mahogany Settee

Attributed to Paul Saunders, circa 1755–60

Design and Craftsmanship

The distinctive cabochon carved between scrolling acanthus at the knee of the cabriole leg is a hallmark of seat furniture closely associated with the workshop of Paul Saunders, one of the leading cabinetmakers in mid-18th century London. This motif appears prominently in a number of documented high-level commissions, executed here with an exceptional clarity and fluidity that speaks to the superb quality of both material and craftsmanship.

The carving is remarkably crisp — the scrolls deeply undercut, the cabochons richly modelled — and animated by a confident rhythm that reflects the hand of a top-tier carver. These elements are brought to life by the use of finely figured mahogany, a dense, richly hued timber prized above all others for its durability, lustre, and capacity for holding intricate detail. Few materials better convey the opulence and sculptural potential of the Rococo idiom.

Documented Commissions and Comparisons

This specific leg pattern and ornamental vocabulary can be traced to a number of major commissions undertaken by Saunders, including:
• The set of “12 chairs, mahog. frames / Gilt” and “10 Elbow / chairs with carved and gilt / frames” supplied to Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, for Holkham Hall in 1757. Saunders charged £39 10s. 3d. and £41 18s., respectively.
• The “2 large sophas” supplied for the Gallery at Holkham, invoiced at £74 0s. 4d.

A suite featuring the same leg and apron design was also supplied to Thomas Thynne, 3rd Viscount Weymouth, at Longleat, including at least eight armchairs and two settees. Payments of £556 15s. (Nov 1757) and £300 (Nov 1759) are recorded in the Viscount’s Drummonds Bank account. A matching library table suggests a unified interior scheme.

Related Examples and Visual Language

Another closely related suite — now partly dispersed — was supplied to Grimsthorpe Castle, with surviving examples in situ and others in the Irwin Untermyer and Ann and Gordon Getty collections. Across these examples, Saunders’ distinctive design language is evident:
• Triple-fluted legs
• Scrolled toes
• Shaped aprons centred by shell or wheatsheaf motifs flanked by stylised acanthus

These motifs are applied with variation and freedom, lending individuality while maintaining a coherent visual identity across a suite.

Paul Saunders and the Rococo Interior

As a cabinetmaker, Paul Saunders was among the most accomplished and sought-after artisans of his time. Operating from Soho and later Long Acre, he served a discerning aristocratic clientele, producing for Holkham, Longleat, Grimsthorpe, Lowther Castle, and others. Though less widely known today than Thomas Chippendale, Saunders was a master of the carved Rococo idiom, distinguished for delivering large-scale, architecturally coordinated interiors.

His work is characterised by technical virtuosity, bold form, and sophisticated detail, drawing on the talents of the finest joiners, carvers, and finishers in London.

Rarity and Significance of the Present Settee

In this context, a settee of this scale and ambition is a true rarity. Unlike chairs, which were made in larger quantities and more likely to survive, large settees were bespoke creations, made in small numbers for grand interiors such as saloons and galleries. Their size, cost, and symbolic presence meant few were made and even fewer survive.

This example—distinguished by its generous proportions, serpentine rail, and boldly sculpted legs—embodies the luxurious aesthetic of the English Rococo and survives in exceptional condition, a testament to its original quality and enduring esteem.

Comparable Examples
• Settee with identical carving sold at Christie’s, Jasper Conran: The Collection Part I, 14 September 2021, lot 176 – £93,750
• Pair of chairs with the same leg and apron design, formerly in the collection of Sir Martyn Beckett, Bt., M.C., sold:
• Sotheby’s London, 18 November 2008, lot 348 – £94,850
• Sotheby’s New York, 16 October 2009, lot 135 – $134,500

Conclusion

With its commanding scale, sculptural richness, and use of exceptional timber, this settee ranks among the most significant survivals of mid-Georgian seat furniture. It stands as a powerful expression of refinement and taste in the Rococo age, and a vivid embodiment of the creative brilliance of Paul Saunders.