19th Century Empire Meridienne or Recamier in Carved Mahogany with Upholstery, circa 1830

An exceptionally beautiful meridienne or fainting couch from the French Empire period with graceful curves and foliate and fleur-de-lis carvings on the mahogany frame, with upholstered back, seat and sides, Northern Europe, circa 1830.

Restoration includes cleaning and re-gluing joints, French-polishing mahogany frame and new upholstery using cream-colored Robert Allen cotton twill. Upholstery included replacing jute strapping, re-sewing and 8 way hand tying of springs and addition of high density foam to original materials for comfort.

This type of piece is also known as a "recamier" after the celebrated portrait by Jacques-Louis David of Madame Récamier (1777-1849), in which she is painted reclining gracefully on a meridienne at the age of 23. Commissioned by the sitter in 1800, the painting was never completed and remained in the painter's studio until 1826 before entering the Louvre museum's collection. Juliette Récamier was married to a Parisian banker and was one of the most famous socialites of her time.

Measurements:
77 1/2" long x 27" deep x 40 1/2" high.
22 1/2 seat height.

Style:
Empire (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:
Cotton,Mahogany,Upholstery,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Polished

Place of Origin:
Sweden

Period:
Early 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:
circa 1830

Condition:
Refinished. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Frame is in very good to excellent condition. Ware is consistent with age and use. It has been fully restored, French polished and upholstered. 8 way hand tied spring construction with fresh cotton batting and thin high density foam for comfort.