This two-seat sofa has two three-quarter offset backrests. They are gondola shaped, i.e. curved, enveloping and round. This sofa is named « conversation bench » because its particular design is intended to favour the conversation of two people. The low central element connecting the backrests has no support: it is supposed to prevent a third person from sitting.
Pair of folding armchairs
These identical folding chairs can be considered very symbolic of the art of living in Goa, the former Portuguese colony located on the west coast of India, 400 kilometres south of Bombay (Mumbai). Each of them rests on six moving feet – forming three pairs – with tawny-clawed endings encircling a ball. These feet are decorated with leafy scrolls. The strongly rolled armrests and their consoles are also moving. The termination of these wide armrests serves as an anchor: when one gets up from the resting position, it makes it possible to stand up easily. The seat and back are caned. The backrest is crowned with a shell on top of a lyre-shaped motif framed by large, blooming, radiant flowers from which pomegranate apples spring.
Biscuit porcelain mantel clock
This clock was manufactured at Dihl and Guérard’s porcelain factory. Christophe Dihl (1752—1830), a talented modeler / experienced chemist – he developed his own colours for porcelain – joined forces with the Guerhards, the company’s financiers – to create this manufacture in 1781. It quickly grew to become the Sèvres manufacture’s main competitor. When it was created, it obtained the protection of a royal family member, the young Duke of Angoulême, nephew of Louis XVI.
Hercules mantel clock
The circular white enamelled dial, signed “Lepaute à Paris”, indicates hours in Roman numerals and minutes via two pierced and gilded copper hands. It is inscribed in a tree trunk on which Hercules is leaning.
Sculpted coconut cup
This cup is made of a finely engraved, carved and cut coconut. Its decoration is divided into a set of horizontal registers separated from each other by the nut’s polished surface. The cup’s base and top are decorated with stylized acanthus leaves. On either side of the joint, beaded rows frame a four-petaled flowers frieze. The main repertoire features an ornamental band decorated with a network of antique-style plant arabesques standing out against a guilloche background. The nut is supported by both an inverted bell-shaped element, and by three dolphins whose tails form a loop. The dolphins rest on a column-shaped base decorated with antique medallions with swans. The ensemble is placed on a square plinth supported by paw-shaped feet covered with a myriad of cleverly organized small leaves. The joint is hemmed by an articulated strapping. A silver swan acts as a lid on top of the nut.
Resting chair, East Africa
This is a low armchair, with a deep seat tilted backwards, whose soft lines and comfortable proportions are perfectly suited to the way of life in tropical countries. Here, the majestic and deep backrest consists of a cane that blends with the seat, providing a very light general appearance. Its high back ends with a band adorned with a sculpted frieze with winding patterns, surmounted by a projection decorated with a figure known as the rising sun. The short rear legs follow the sinuous line of the back. The front legs in line with the armrest supports are inclined. This original arrangement of the feet allows the chair to sway slightly, resting on the hind feet, when sitting down. The armrests are shaped like twisted-bellied vases, supporting elegant flat arms with curved lines, ending in a centred spiralling and swirling pattern. The front belt has a motif reminiscent of the one adorning the backrest band. The finish is said to be ebonized, which means that the wood has been given a tint to give it a beautiful deep black ebony colour. A completely similar model is kept at Isiko Museum of Slavery (former Museum of Decorative Arts) in Capetown, South Africa.
Portrait of Mademoiselle Doré
Portrait of Mademoiselle Doré holding a rose after François-Hubert Drouais (1727-1775) Oil on canvas, 18th century Carved and stucco wood frame, gilded on the back Dimensions (frame included)…… Read more “Portrait of Mademoiselle Doré”
Young Bedouin with rifle
© Paul-Etienne Remy / Good Wave Studio Moor with a rifle Bronze enhanced with a cold painted polychrome decoration Austrian school, late 19th century Dimensions: H.: 11…… Read more “Young Bedouin with rifle”
Young Moor lying down writing
© Paul-Etienne Remy / Good Wave Studio Young Moor lying down writing Bronze enhanced with a cold painted polychrome decoration according to Franz Bergman Austrian school, late…… Read more “Young Moor lying down writing”
Young Moor sitting writing
© Paul-Etienne Remy / Good Wave Studio Young Moor sitting writing Bronze enhanced with a cold painted polychrome decoration Austrian school, late 19th century Dimensions: H.: 8…… Read more “Young Moor sitting writing”
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