Louis XV Style Bench with Tapestry Upholstery, 1920

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Description

This two-seater upholstered bench was made in France between approximately 1920 and 1949 in the Louis XV style. The curved … Read more This two-seater upholstered bench was made in France between approximately 1920 and 1949 in the Louis XV style. The curved frame, the slender cabriole legs, and the hand-embroidered tapestry upholstery create a formally cohesive and calmly proportioned piece of furniture. Historical context: Benches of this type originated in France in the first half of the 20th century, when furniture in the style of the 18th century was once again in high demand. The type of small canapé with open armrests dates back to the salon furniture of the Louis XV period, when light, movable seating was designed for entertaining and conversation. In bourgeois homes of the early 20th century, such benches found their place in the parlor, bedroom, or hallway, where they combined a representative and practical function. The needle-stitched upholstery (using tapestry or petit point techniques) reflects the textile tradition of French manufacturers. Features: Fully upholstered in hand-embroidered floral tapestry fabric, including the two padded armrests. The upholstery is secured all around with decorative brass-tone nails; the rails and legs feature subtle floral carvings. Design: The bench follows the formal conventions of the Louis XV period: curved rails, cabriole legs, a flowing backrest with a carved finial, and open, recessed armrests. The lines are consistently curved, yet remain slender and subtly ornamented. The blue-ground tapestry upholstery with rocaille and floral motifs echoes the design language of the frame, unifying the upholstery and frame. Dimensions: Height 87 × Width 144 × Depth 62 cm, Seat height 45 cm. Material and Condition: Solid wood frame, embroidered tapestry fabric (wool), metal nailing. Well-preserved, well-maintained condition with age-related wear. The upholstery has five small holes or signs of wear (see photo documentation). The piece of furniture was cleaned and inspected by Kastellan. See less