19th c. French Napoleon III Chaise

France, 19th Century

$1,995

Antique One-Of-A-Kind Upholstery Rare

The chaise longue exists for one glorious thing, lying down without going to bed, and the French Second Empire built them deeper and softer than anyone. Found in Lille and dating to the 19th century, it curves up into a deeply button-tufted back and a rolled arm, its long seat set on cabriole legs, still in the pale muslin it wore beneath its final cover. This is the Napoleon III style, the 1850s and 60s fashion for comfort above all, when deep tufting and full stuffing turned a chair into something you sank into, and left in its underlayer it comes as a blank canvas, ready for whatever fabric you choose. Sylvie sets it by a window in a bedroom or a corner of a sitting room, the place a room goes to be still.

Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.

Age:: 19th Century
Country of Origin:: France
Material:: Wood with metal hardware, upholstery, horse hair and straw
Dimensions:: 37.5" H x 66.0" W x 31.5" D

Notes from Sylvie:

Dear collector, as with many antiques, this chaise may show signs of its age, including subtle repairs, movement, cracks, scratches, small holes, and surface variation from years of use. The upholstery shows staining and some discoloration from the original metal pins and staples. Areas around the perimeter and back need to be reattached with nails. The wood legs are in good condition and sit level to the ground.

All items are final sale.