Hi Michael,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The North Wind face that appears on furniture, architectural carvings, and decorative objects comes from classical mythology and artistic tradition associated with Boreas. In Greek mythology, Boreas was the god who personified the cold north wind, bringing winter storms from the mountains of Thrace. He was typically described as powerful and fierce and bearded, and often shown blowing wind from his mouth.

One of the most famous myths about him tells how Boreas abducted the Athenian princess Orithyia, carrying her away to become his wife. Their children, the Boreads, later became heroes in the voyage of the Argo.

The North Wind face became popular as an ornament because it symbolized: the power of nature, movement and energy, and Classical learning and mythology.

It was a popular motif in the late 19th Century among Renaissance Revival craftsman.

The form of this chair also borrows from the Renaissance in the shape of the arms and legs....it's a form sometimes called a 'Savonarola Chair'.

While I can't find another that's labeled to make an attribution to a particular maker, these chairs come to auction with some regularity and typically sell for prices ranging from $100-200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Victorian oak Savonarola 'North Wind' Armchair
Probably British, late 19th Century
The shaped crest centering a relief-carved base over pierced splat, the shaped arms raised on during supports over a plank seat, all raised on shaped legs joined by turned stretchers. Unmarked.
Height: 35 inches; width: 29 inches
CONDITION: This chair appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 100-200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia