An important carved giltwood bergère stamped Tilliard, Louis XV/Louis XVI, circa 1765, together with a later identical bergère

with an arched padded back,  the top-rail centred by a patera flanked by laurel leaves, the side-rails headed by a roundel above a trail of laurel leaves above padded downscrolled arms and bowed loose cushion seat, the seat-rail similarly carved to the top-rail on cabriole legs headed by a flowerhead terminating in scrolled feet, the frame carved with laurel leaves and foliate motifs; regilt

Provenance:
Princesse Marie-Louise de Bauffremont Courtenay, Château de Brienne, France (1874-1955), the granddaughter of Louise-Thérèse, Infanta of Spain
Prince Amaury de Mérode (1902-1980)
Thence by descent

A full genealogy is available from the department upon request. 

Colour of gilding less greenish, much more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Highly important bergère. Very impressive design. The model is a perfect example of the early Louis XVI style. It was made by one of the best Louis XV menuisiers (Tilliard). The proportions are large and the virtuosity of the carving reinforces the architectural moulding. The carving is crisp and deep. The bergère has kept its original webbing. It has been regilt in a quite bright manner, probably in the 19th century, and there are several chips to the gilding. The gilding is quite rubbed on the top right corner and on the floral motif in centre of top-rail and arms. With some minor chips, surface dirt and rubbing. The structure is very stable and the seat-rails are in good condition. The model is also very comfortable. Please note that there is a later and fine copy with this lot. Both have the same materials in good condition despite a few stains and rubbed armrests. There are construction cracks at joints commensurate with age which can be filled. Highly recommended with a very good Provenance.
"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."

Jacques-Jean-Baptiste Tilliard, received Master in 1752.

The applied rosettes and laurel garlands are typical of three ébénistes who were working for the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne around 1768-1772. This very sculptural bergère is closely related to four fauteuils stamped Tilliard, formerly in the collection of Karl Lagerfeld, sold Christie's Monaco, 29th April 2000, lot 311 (prior to that formerly in the Collection of Maurice Ségoura). The aforementioned fauteuils are identically carved with the exception of sculpted piastres on the frame.

Furthermore, this bergère is strikingly similar to a set of chairs by Nicolas Quinibert Foliot. The rosettes are close to those found upon a bèrgere ordered on the 27th July 1771 for the Comtesse de Provenance at Versailles, the carving of which is probably by Toussaint Foliot. In addition, this bèrgere is close to other fauteuils ordered by the same furniture-maker but carved by Pierre Edme Babel in 1770,  for the appartments of Madame du Barry for the Château de St. Hubert and illustrated in Le Mobilier de Versailles, Dijon, 2002, vol. I p.184, and vol. II, pp. 224-226 nos. 78-79. The same back construction is also to be found on a piece stamped by Lebas from the former Royal Garde-Meuble in the 19^th century. (see Le mobilier de Versailles. Op cit. Vol. II, pp.232-234, no 82).

A bergère with identical feet and carved with garlands of flowers was sold at Hotel Drouot, 24th March 1993, lot 136.