Louis XV Bench with Straw Weaving, 1960

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Description

A two-seater bench of french manufacture in the louis xv style, crafted around 1960 based on 18th-century models. The low, … Read more A two-seater bench of french manufacture in the louis xv style, crafted around 1960 based on 18th-century models. The low, wide form is calmly proportioned; the curved frame and slender legs visually reduce the bench's mass without diminishing its footprint. Historical context: benches with woven seats are a staple of french country and provincial furniture. They originated where seating for several people was needed in a small space: in entrance halls, hallways, kitchens, and utility rooms. Rush and straw wicker were common materials for the seats because they were regionally available, lightweight, and easily replaceable if damaged – the woven surface was considered a consumable part, while the wooden frame was a permanent component. In the 20th century, louis xv designs were revived in france through mass production and used as supplementary furniture in middle-class homes. Features: the seat is divided into two sections by a central crossbar; both sections are individually woven and framed. The seat frame features visible, inset corner joints that define the woven panels on either side. In terms of design, the bench follows the louis xv vocabulary: curved legs with a softly executed sweep, volute feet with turned bases, and a multi-curved apron with a continuous groove. Ornamentation is limited to contours – there is no carving, no appliqué, and no veneer work. The design effect arises solely from lines and silhouette, allowing the bench to remain understated despite its dynamic form. Dimensions: h 47 cm × w 95 cm × d 42 cm. Material and condition: frame and legs are presumably oak, stained dark. Seat surfaces are made of rush or straw wicker (french: paille). Used condition with signs of age. The wickerwork is frayed and broken in several places, clearly visible in the area of ​​the central support and at the edges of the seat panels. The wood shows patina, a few scratches, and fine, material-related drying cracks, including on one leg. The construction is stable, and the bench stands securely. Reupholstering the seats is possible See less