A German ivory painted and parcel-gilt carved sofa circa 1835, in the manner of Leo von Klenze

with an outward scrolled rectangular padded back, straight ribbed and stop-fluted arms and rectangular padded seat on turned tapering front legs and sabre rear legs the frame carved with anthemions, bellflowers and berried laurel leaves, upholstered with modern striped yellow and cream coloured silk textile

Inventory of L. Bernheimer, at Palais Bernheimer, Lenbachplatz, Munich.

Illustrated Bernheimer Archive, circa 1930, Album 6, nr. 63. (see lot --)

In overall good original condition. Joints sound and sturdy. Some minor losses to carving especially on the top-rail as visible from the catalogue photograph. The under scrolled edge of the top-rail has been touched up with gilt paint. The sofa is dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Old minor chips marks and losses to the decoration as visible from the photograph.The front middle-leg has a restored break as has the rear middle leg which can easily be restored.
"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."

This sofa, with its prominent use of anthemia, demonstrates the influence of the French Empire style on international design and architects and can be related to designs by Leo von Klenze (1784-1864). Von Klenze, who worked as an apprentice to Percier and Fontaine in Paris, was the court architect of King Ludwig I of Bavaria. He was responsible for Königsbau – an Italianate extension to Munich’s Royal Residenz  - where he was in charge of every detail of the new royal apartments, including the furniture, all made in 1834-35 in a late Empire style, the majority of it parcel-gilt on a white ground in a very similar vein to the present lot.