A German Baroque stumpwork silk decorated tester state bed made for Friedrich Christian Freiherr von Spee (1626 - 1695) late 17th century

the tester with moulded silk covered cresting topped by carved giltwood finials and hung with a silk frieze decorated with strapwork of green, cream and red tones; the scrolled pedimented headboard centred by double shell and decorated with red silk velvet and applique of green and cream colours, all standing in turned silk covered posts

Friedrich Christian Freiherr von Spee (1626 – 1695)
Thence by descent

The wooden structure of this bed retains its original poles, head and foot boards. The side rails and rails below the head and foot boards have been later replaced. The fabric covered canopy has, most likely, its original wooden frame. Upholstery: Colours of the green and apricot coloured silk are less yellow in hue, and the green is darker apple green and the apricot darker, and both are more defined and crisper in appearance. The orange of the silk velvet, attached to the lower section of the headboard and inside of the footboard, and to sections of the headboard, is an attractive copper colour. The silk on the support posts is distressed, with sections lacking and is stained on the back left post, as visible in the catalogue photograph. The headboard has small fragments of different 18th century textiles added to the various sections, including copper coloured silk velvet, metal-thread and cream stripped tissu, and floral brocade, and green silk. The metal thread is tarnished hence the grey appearance. Copper coloured velvet on the lower section of the headboard, is worn in the lower section and hence lighter colour in appearance, and is more worn in an area on the right hand side (not visible in the catalogue photograph). Canopy cornice is covered in a complimentary apple green twill textile (with loose threads visible at top of front right side). The inside of the canopy is decorated in the same technique as the panel on the front of the footboard. There are some large circular water stain marks in areas (especially the area of the front left corner) and there is a split between design elements, along a vertical, which shows the hessian behind. The inside of the footboard has a detachable carved cartouche element with rosette, covered in the copper coloured velvet. This lot has additional textile panels, worked in the same technique as the panel on the front of the footboard visible in the photograph, and in green, cream and apricot and some with added tassel details. The pieces include: 1) A hanging for behind the headboard, worked with a large vase on a strapwork support (approximately 233cm. long, 150cm. wide). It has water marks in stripes in the lower section; 2) A coverlet (approximately 195cm. long, 217cm wide, with applied loose silk threads to the tassels in the side sections, which would cover the sides of the mattress; 3) In addition to the pelmets around the canopy (visible in the photograph) there are four extra sections (4 Qty): comprising of two double scalloped sections (similar to the example attached to front of the canopy in the photograph), with five scallops along lower section and thirteen along the top, with the same amount of flat embroidered tassels, together with a rectangular shorter section with nine embroidered flat tassels, and a further section with five scallops and five loose silk tassels. For extra photographs please contact the furniture department.
"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."

Made for Friedrich Christian, Baron von Spee, at Schloss Heltforf, this impressive bed is clearly inspired by French designs from the late 17^thcentury, such as those by Daniel Marot. Paris-born and architect to William of Orange, his influence was felt throughout Europe and England, by the publishing of his engraved designs.

Examples such as the Melville Bed in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the the state bed at Het Loo, the latter by Marot, provide a good idea of the full impact these beds would have had at the time. When in country houses, they were not meant to be used but were instead sumptuous displays of aristocratic wealth and taste. As only monarchs were supposed to use them, to own one symbolised close ties to royalty and and readiness to receive the ruler in your house.

The actual construction of these beds is surprisingly simple, with the wooden frame is covered with expensive fabric. The design of the headboard can be dated to the last  decade of the 17^th century as well as the tester ceiling and hanging frieze. 

Friedrich Christian von Spee, who had been made war commissioner of the Dukedom of Berg by the future Elector-Palatine Phillip-William, had improved the family’s social standing and acquired Heltforf in 1662, from his father-in-law.