Live Auction 7822Cabinet d'un Amateur Européen
Christie’s roundel
Lot 364

A LOUIS XVI POLISHED STEEL LIT A BALDAQUIN

ATTRIBUTED TO JACQUES-ANTOINE COURBIN, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Closed9 December 2009

Estimate

GBP 15,000–25,000

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A LOUIS XVI POLISHED STEEL LIT A BALDAQUIN
ATTRIBUTED TO JACQUES-ANTOINE COURBIN, LATE 18TH CENTURY
The gilt-metal baldaquin above two curved supports, and pierced triangular-shaped sides centred by rosettes and with urn finials, on turned tapering legs, with castors, stamped '2', with red velvet covers
82 in. (208 cm.) high, overall; 76½ in. (194 cm.) wide; 49½ in. (126 cm.) deep

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's, Monaco, 26-27 February 1992, lot 298.

Specialist note

The fashion for luxurious objects and furniture made of polished steel, undoubtedly imitating silver, reached its peak at the end of 18th Century and the Garde-Meuble Royal lists commissions by Courbin, Jubault, Deumier, Tranoi, Perrache, Turquoi and Chaille. Between 1784 and 1787 the Royal locksmith Jacques-Antoine Courbin supplied polished steel beds for the appartments of the Royal princes. The description and dimensions of the present example might refer to that of a bed executed for the Dauphin by Courbin which is mentioned in a 1792 inventory as 'pour les garçons de la chambre... deux lits de fer à quatre colonnes à châssis plats de six pieds de long, 6 pieds 6 po de haut et 3 pieds 8 po de large ... ... preisés a 2 422 livres'.