Diminutive Circa 1790 Italian Neoclassical Banquette in Lacquered Beechwood

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Hand-carved in Italy, circa 1790, this lacquered beechwood banquette is from the period of Louis XVI, as noted by the … Read more Hand-carved in Italy, circa 1790, this lacquered beechwood banquette is from the period of Louis XVI, as noted by the Neoclassical elements. The skill of the ébéniste who created this piece is immediately evident. Hundreds of delicate and refined details have been carved across the entirety of the banquette while respecting the more rectilinear and restrained fashion of the period. The deep and luxurious motifs are rechampi, where carvings have been given a green accent so that they stand out from the painted gray background, allowing certain elements to gain prominence. An off white upholstery, bordered by gimp, has been affixed to the seat, the back rest, and small manchettes on each volute armrest (the verso side of the back has a magnificent brown silk with gray foliate display).

Both upholsteries of the back and the seat are bordered by interlaced Vitruvian waves filled with florets, a common Neoclassical motif. All of the square joineries (one on each corner of the seat, plus two at the top of the back) have been carved with a large, parted leaf. Above each back joint is a leaf cup finial, flanking an elaborate crest consisting of a quiver of arrows encircled by a crinkled ribbon and a foliate loop above repeating foliage and a sprawling rinceaux centered around a scalloped leaf. The cartouche is mirrored by a husk swag carving inset within a geometric panel above foliate cups on the underneath the seat.

Beneath the apron are four Neoclassical legs that are paired with two more on the back. Each of the legs has an Ionic order volute capital embellished with beading and egg and dart carvings. The legs taper towards a blunt arrow foot and are adorned with fluting filled with a spear-like foliate motif known as rudentures à asperges (“asparagus spears”).

A masterpiece given the craftsmanship of the carvings; the banquette is noticeably smaller than what we are used to seeing. It was quite rare during the 1700’s for such a bench to be commissioned, indicating that it was intended for a particular bedroom or boudoir. Our Neoclassical beechwood banquette is quite sturdy due to the nature of the wood, the joinery, and the quality of the hand cut planks that were made to support it. Today, this banquette can once again grace a bedroom, dressing room, or it can be placed in a narrow hallway or entry. See less