A SET OF LOUIS XVI CARVED AND PAINTED TWO BERGÈRES AND SIX ARMCHAIRS, STAMPED P. BERNARD AND N.S. COURTOIS, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Sotheby's, Paris, Important Mobilier, Sculptures, et Objets d'Art, 5th May 2015, lot 205;

where acquired by the current owner.

This set of carved and painted bergères and armchairs, which adopt a charming neoclassical repertoire of lines and decoration, are a testament of the collaboration between two skilled menuisiers, Pierre Bernard and Nicolas-Simon Courtois.

Pierre Bernard, menuisier reçu maître en 1766 is described by Francois Salverte in Les Ebénistes du XVIIIe Siècle (Paris, 1953) as 'L'un des plus habiles de sa spécialité' [one of the most accomplished of his trade]. Bernard was known for his quality of execution, perfectly balanced proportions and intricate carved decoration. For that, he was recognized early on in his career by the King and the Royal Court. Although his stamp is found on some encoignures, he primarily produced seating furniture which may be seen, for example, in the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (inv. no. 7960, from the collection of Madame la Comtesse de Tarragon).

Nicolas-Simon Courtois, menuisier reçu maître en 1766, was a menuisier active until the Revolution who specialised in high quality neocclassical seat-furniture characterised by clean lines and restrained ornament.

Interestingly, a suite of seating furniture comprising bergères, armchairs, chaises and canapé stamped by both Bernard and Courtois was sold Christie's London, Champalimaud Collection, 6-7 July 2005, lot 63.