Louis XVI Painted Caned Bergère Sofa, 1880s

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Description

A charming and elegant late 19th-century French painted and caned bench in the Louis XVI taste, retaining its original soft … Read more A charming and elegant late 19th-century French painted and caned bench in the Louis XVI taste, retaining its original soft blue paint and beautiful patina.
This refined piece is crafted in carved and painted wood, with fine canework to the backs, armrests and seat. Raised on eight tapered, fluted legs, the bench has a straight apron with a recessed central band richly adorned with a giltwood circular ribbon motif. The two caned, scrolled sides are further embellished with giltwood carvings, adding depth and sophistication. The shaped caned back features an intricate intertwined circular top motif flanking a central scrolling reserve. Each back section is crowned with a carved bow, while rosettes decorate the tops of the legs and the centre of the seat. The caned backs and seat are painted with a delicate lozenge design, and the bench comes with a fitted squab cushion, upholstered for comfort and ready to use.
This Louis XVI-style bench perfectly captures the neoclassical revival of the late 19th century. The scrolled, carved back, contoured cane seat and tapered legs give it timeless architectural balance, while the abundant hand-carved detail sets it apart: spiral circular ribbon motifs encircle the entire apron, rosettes adorn the front plinth blocks, and laurel wreath carvings enrich the seat backs. Remarkably, the original canework remains intact.
The blue painted finish has aged beautifully, with a naturally distressed, worn appearance that reveals the undercoat and creates a highly desirable “shabby chic” effect. Circa 1880, with a seat height of 51 cm, this bench is as practical as it is decorative, perfect for a hallway, the end of a bed, a refined dining area, or an elegant dressing room. A truly distinctive statement piece that combines period authenticity, decorative charm and everyday usability. See less