Louis XV Settee by Jean-René Nadal l’Ainé

The splendor of the Louis XV period is captured in this incredible settee by the famed ébéniste Jean-René Nadal l’Ainé (1733-1783). Beautifully upholstered in blue and white fabric that complements the white of the wood, the rare sofa reflects the change in style seen in France during the reign of King Louis XV. Relative to the flamboyant Rococo style of the Louis XIV period, furniture became lighter aesthetically in terms of both design and color. Highly ornamental yet elegant, the style evolved to look more feminine and subdued than in previous years, with an emphasis on curving lines. As evident in this set’s majestic legs and back, elegant curves provide a romantic deviation from heave Baroque lines.

Jean-René Nadal l’Ainé was renowned for his high quality and opulently carved furniture in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Born into an important cabinetmaking family, he quickly rose to prominence in his own right, becoming primarily a furniture maker for the Crown as well as for the Comte d’Artois. This exceptional settee, almost certainly made for a client of great importance, bears all of the hallmarks of this celebrated ébéniste. A similar armchair by Nadal that was once held at Versailles is currently in the collection of the Musée du Louvre.

Signed “Nadal L’Aine” under upholstery

Circa 1760

82 1/4″ wide x 36″ deep x 43 1/4″ high