An Early 19th Century Empire Period Mahogany Day Bed

An early 19th century Empire Period mahogany day bed in the neo-classical manner, the two upright ends with applied mounts of wreaths and terms.

This piece was made during the Napoleonic Empire at a time when European interior design and decoration were entirely inspired by ancient classical civilisation. The preoccupation with truth of form resulted in the exclusion of all unnecessary motifs and ornament within the design of furniture. Day beds became an integral part of the 19th century salon and as with chaise longues offered an elegant and comfortable surface for partial reclining within a social context. This piece was selected for its purity of form and remarkable condition. The timber, acajou moucheté (spotted mahogany) adds great interest to an otherwise simplistic form.