Pair of Napoleon III Rococo Window Seats

A fine pair of Napoleon III Rococo window seats from late nineteenth-century France, these elegant examples epitomise the ornate style of their period. Crafted around 1875, their design features skillfully carved beech frames, finished with original gilt and sumptuous upholstery, perfectly embodying the grandeur of French decorative arts.

Origin: France

Date: Circa 1875

Material: Beech with original gilding and upholstery

Dimensions: Height: 43 cm (17 ins); Length: 94 cm (37 ins); Depth: 52 cm (21.2 ins)

Condition: Excellent original condition, with intact gilding and structurally sound frames

These window seats beautifully illustrate the enduring influence of Rococo ornamentation during the reign of Napoleon III. Noted for their shell and foliate carved motifs, this pair recalls the exuberant forms found in the furniture of leading nineteenth-century Parisian ateliers and remains comparable to renowned pieces in collections at the Musée d’Orsay and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Their graceful cabriole legs and scroll feet exemplify the vivacious lines that made Napoleon III Rococo seating a centrepiece of sophisticated Victorian interiors.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: Delicate carving on the beech frames, highlighted by original gilt details, demonstrates the superior skill of French artisans of the era.
• Rococo Design: Sweeping curves, shell motifs, and intricate foliate embellishments reference the ornate language of Rococo, while the well-proportioned cabriole legs add timeless elegance.
• Collecting Value: Pairs of Napoleon III Rococo window seats in such original condition, retaining their first gilding and upholstery, are exceptionally scarce and desirable for collectors of nineteenth-century seating and decorative arts.
• Practical Value: Perfectly sized for display beneath tall sash windows or at the foot of a bed, these window seats suit both period and contemporary schemes, adding a touch of French sophistication to any setting.

A rare opportunity to acquire original nineteenth-century Rococo window seats, these pieces will appeal both to discerning collectors and to those wishing to furnish their interiors with authentic period seating.