French Louis XVI Style "marquise" Sofa In Carved Gilded Wood, Napoléon III Period

Rare small marquise "en corbeille" shape with richly carved and gilded woodwork of ribbons, piastres, laurels, pearls, acanthus, flowers and florets. It rests on four tapered and fluted legs adorned with large rings.

Napoleon III period.

Upholstered with a modern silk fabric embroidered with flowers and foliage (with some stains and yellowing, wear only on the armrests).


This pretty little sofa has the rare distinction of being both a marquise type and a "en corbeille" one.
The marquise is an 18th century seat, larger than an armchair and smaller than a sofa, the seat of which is generally furnished with a large cushion. Seen now as a small two-seater sofa, it was actually at the time a large armchair allowing ladies to sit comfortably with their ample toilets.
From the beginning of the Napoleon III period, the marquise became fashionable again, as did the "corbeille" form, and saw many new interpretations.

Our seat is typical of the Napoleon III taste and this reinterpretation of forms drawn from past styles. Far from pastiche of the great styles of the 18th century, Napoleon III production prefers to draw inspiration from them and achieve a very original production. This marquise is inspired by the most beautiful productions of the Louis XVI style, with a very richly and finely carved, then gilded woodwork. She applies the form of a marquise to it, probably for practical purposes by responding to a need induced by the extreme fullness of the dresses of the high aristocracy. The "corbeille" shape allows an elegant and sinuous line, attenuating and bringing a little fantasy to the neoclassical rigor of the Louis XVI style.

The originality of the model, the quality of its sculpture and the rare curve of the armrest console make this seat, in view of the complexity of its realization, the product of a great maker commissioned by a member of the highest society.

A silk trim has been applied to it which does not show wear and holes but stains and yellowing due to the passage of time. Some wear on the armrests.