A carved giltwood sofa attributed to Jean-Baptiste Tilliard Louis XV, mid 18th century

with an arched serpentine padded back, the top-rail carved with a  pomegranate, flowers and leaves above downscrolled padded arms and loose cushion serpentine seat, the seat-rail similarly carved to the top-rail on foliate carved cabriole legs terminating in scrolled feet, the frame carved with flowers and leaves; regilt  

Mallett & Sons, London

The European Fine Art Fair, Maastricht, Holland, 2000.

In very good regilt condition. Joints sound and sturdy. Beautiful detail to carving. There is restored break to each of the two central rear legs. Very minor chips consistent with age and use. Can be placed immediately
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Guillaume Janneau, Le Mobilier français, Les  Sieges, Paris,1993, p. 60 and 61, figs.100 and 104, for seat-rails with the stylised pomegranate so typical of Tilliard, which are found on this sofa frame.  

Jean-Baptiste Tilliard:
Jean-Baptiste Tilliard, otherwise known as Jean-Baptiste I Tilliard (1685-1766), received Master 1717, Maître-Menuisier du Garde-Meuble Royal after 1728. Jean-Baptiste Tilliard belonged to a family of important menuisiers-ébénistes. One of his sons, Jacques Jean-Baptiste Tilliard, otherwise known as Jean- Baptiste II Tilliard, was also a menuisier and took over his father's rue de Clery based workshop. Jean-Baptiste I enjoyed a close working relationship with Cresson and Foliot, the other leading mid eighteenth century menuisiers. After his father's death in 1728, Jean-Baptiste I was awarded the title maître-menuisier du Garde-Meuble Royal which authorized him to produce exclusively for the Royal Court. His aristocratic and royal clientèle included the Duchess de Mazarin as well as the Marquise de Pompadour. Since Jean-Baptiste I and Jean- Baptiste II used the same stamp and furthermore both father and son shared one workshop, it is difficult to attribute pieces to either one or the other with certainty