French Empire Period Mahogany Swan Decoration Bed "aux Cygnes", ca. 1810

Object Description

An Empire ormolu-mounted mahogany bed “aux Cygnes“, made circa 1815. The restrained use of high quality ormolu mounts on the darkly flamed Cuban mahogany provides an outstanding decorative effect, the top front corners set with mounts depicting finely chased swans that are seated on an intricate ormolu capital. The semi-round column is further supported by an acanthus leaf arrangement above the circular feet. The shape of the bed designed in classical form with a slightly projecting plinth and book matched head and foot boards.

Object Literature

Jean-Pierre Samoyault: Mobilier Francais Consulat et Empire, Paris 2009, p. 183, fig. 317 – there a comparative bed by of the collection of the Mobilier National in Paris, of similar construction with semi-round columns and ormolu mounts.

Object Condition

Very good, wear consistent with age and use – detailed condition report on request

Object Details