Lot 123
  • 123

A Louis XV painted and parcel-gilt lit à la turque by Jean-Baptiste Tilliard, circa 1760

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • pine
  • 88cm. high, 180cm. wide, 68cm. deep; 2ft. 10¾in., 5ft. 11in., 2ft. 2¾in.
with a drop-in seat, upholstered in embroidered silk, stamped three times TILLIARD

Condition

This fine Lit a la Turque has very fine and deep carvings and is in good conserved condition. The painted decoration and gilding has been refreshed retaining its original tone. There are later support brackets to the underside of the seat which is secure. With some minor losses to the gilding and gesso. The embroidery to the beige silk cushions and upholstery with some losses and distressed areas, the silk with some staining which can be remedied.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This remarkable and delicately sculpted lit à la turque perfectly embodies the characteristics of the full Louis XV style that best expressed itself in such inventive pieces of furniture which would adorn the private apartments of French hôtels particuliers and chateaux, where this bed would have been placed sideways against a wall, sometimes accompanied by a baldachin.

Jean-Baptiste I Tilliard (1686-1766, maître 1717) and his son Jean-Baptiste II (1723-1797, maître 1752) are widely considered two of the most talented menuisiers of the 18th century, the father active for the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne during the 1730s, and delivering in 1737-1739 seat furniture for the King and Queen at Versailles, thus contributing to the emergence of a mature rocaille. The Tilliards’ other patrons included the Marquise de Soubise, the Marquise de Pompadour, and several marchands-merciers, with Jean-Baptiste II becoming a favourite of Madame Victoire and Madame Elisabeth. Upon his retirement in 1764 his son, Jacques Jean-Baptiste took over the atelier, maintaining his father’s stamp, until the Revolution.

In its Louis XV expression, the Tilliards' oeuvre is distinguished by the high quality of the construction and a carving that is never too flamboyant. Signature elements include the motif of a heart inscribed in a cartouche. Notable pieces are housed in museum throughout the world, and include an ottomane veilleuse at the Metropolitan Museum, New York (1982.60.72) and another day bed at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (W.5:1,2-1956). One lit à la turque attributed to Tilliard is now in the Getty Museum (86.DA.535).