Object Description
Antique Parisian Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Bed by Au Gros Chêne
French, late 19th Century
Dimensions: Height 127cm, width 167cm, depth 212cm
This elegant bed is designed in the late 19th Century French Neoclassical style, retailed by Parisian firm Au Gros Chêne. It stands on four legs, the back two of square profile form, and the front crafted in cabriole form and decorated with ormolu foliate mounts. The headboard is curved, with ormolu mounts to each side and an ornate motif at the centre top. It features a wooden veneer that appears like sun rays, as well as an ormolu beaded border. The foot of the bed is similarly designed, with beautifully ornate marquetry in the design of a Neoclassical vase with feathers and foliate garland within an oval cartouche. Further ormolu mounts adorn the sides and the bottom of the bed, with laurel leaf garlands surrounding an oval cartouche.
The bed features a brass plate reading ‘AMEUBLEMENTS DE STYLE / Meubles, Sieges, Tentures / AU GROS CHENE / 12, Rue Drouot / PARIS’. Au Gros Chêne were a popular Parisian furniture firm. Today, the site of 12 Rue Drouot where they were situated is occupied by the large auction house Hotel Drouot.