Alcove bed in gilded wood attributed to Heurtaut

Rare alcove bed in gilded wood and carved on all four sides. The upper crosspiece of the backs presents in their center a rich leafy cartouche enclosing some flowers. On either side of this motif, similar flowers are carved. The shoulders of the backs are decorated with leafy shells and flowers on both sides of the back and on the edge. These uprights are carved with interlaced acanthus leaves. The seat of the bed is molded and decorated with a pattern of branches enrubannés. Repeated on the whole bed. The bed rests on four small cambered feet carved with a stylized shell.
Attributed to Nicolas Heurtaut (apocryphal stamp of this cabinetmaker)
Louis XV period
Restorations, modern upholstery, presented with a box spring, two pillows and two bolsters
H. 117 x W. 214 x D. 117 cm

The bed we are presenting fits into the category we call "jewel furniture". Indeed, it has such a sculpture, that it is impossible not to stop and observe it. It is carved on every corner, all its faces have a decoration. Perfectly Louis XV, the furniture tries to deny its structure: the edges of the backs are softened by large and fat acanthus leaves. These imposing motifs are alternated by finer and more delicate carvings, which give a relief and a depth pleasant to the eye. Thus, these decorations, the slightly inclined backs and the curvature of the feet bring movement. In addition to being a piece of furniture of great beauty, it is also original, and this trait of "character" in a piece of furniture is essential for a collector. These cartouches, shells and lines are completely original and avoid the standard furniture box.
This ingenuity and refinement obviously echo the famous carpenter Nicolas Heurtaut (master in 1753). The power of the sculpture is one of his signatures. Pierre Kjelleberg, in his book "Le mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle", evokes him in these words "he is one of the masters of the Louis XV seat". His astonishing career can undoubtedly explain his production. First a sculptor, he entered the academy of Saint Luc. He then worked for Tilliard and Claude I Sené among others with this cap there. Then, he decides to devote himself to carpentry and settles in 1755. Sculpting himself or by delegating, Heurtaut produces seats for merchants, upholsterers or delivers directly to a rich clientele.