This superb George II carved mahogany settee is a quintessential example of high Rococo English seat furniture attributed to the celebrated cabinetmaker and upholsterer Paul Saunders, a pivotal figure in the mid-18th-century London furniture trade.

The serpentine mahogany frame is finely carved throughout, the front rail centred by a cabochon enclosed by C-scrolls flanked by stylised acanthus flourishes—a signature motif of Saunders’ workshop. This specific configuration is found on a significant number of documented commissions, including the set of twelve chairs and ten elbow chairs supplied in 1757 to the 1st Earl of Leicester for Holkham Hall, for which “Mr. Saunders” charged £39.10s.3d and £41.18s., respectively, as well as the “2 large sophas” in the Gallery (£74.4d).[1]

The leg pattern, carved with triple fluting, acanthus-wrapped knees, and terminating in distinctive scrolled toes, is equally diagnostic. It appears on the celebrated suite of at least eight armchairs and two settees supplied to the 3rd Viscount Weymouth for Longleat, most probably included in payments recorded in Drummonds Bank—£556.15s. in November 1757 and £300 in November 1759.[2] This suite included a matching library table, likewise carved with cabochons and scrolls.

Moreover, these same design motifs appear on the renowned parcel-gilt suite for Grimsthorpe Castle, portions of which remain in situ, with other pieces having entered distinguished collections including those of Irwin Untermyer and Ann and Gordon Getty.[3]

The settee’s shaped apron, carved on serpentine rails and centred with a cabochon motif, echoes the refined compositions of Saunders’ documented works. Comparable examples include the settee sold at Christie’s, Jasper Conran: The Collection Part I, 14 September 2021, lot 176 (£93,750), and a pair of chairs formerly in the collection of Sir Martyn Beckett, sold Sotheby’s London, 18 November 2008, lot 348 (£94,850) and again Sotheby’s New York, 16 October 2009, lot 135 ($134,500).

Now upholstered in a vibrant gold damask silk with matching squab cushions and bolster pillows, this settee retains its original grandeur. The generous scale, expressive carving, and refined proportions position it among the most sophisticated examples of mid-18th century English seat furniture.