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Unknown
Bed from the Château d'Effiat
Mid-17th century
© R.M.N. |
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Richelieu
1st Floor
Effiat
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Decorative Arts in 17th-century France
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| This canopied bed, together with its six matching chairs, came from the château of the Marquis of Effiat (in the French department of Puy-de-Dôme). All of the pieces retain their original covering of Genoese embossed velvet. The four-poster bed was made in the mid-17th century for Antoine Coëffier de Ruzé (1581-1632), Marquis of Effiat, Marshal of France and Superintendent of Finance. It is covered by a canopy supported by four columns, and hung with curtains which, when drawn, accentuate its square, box-like shape. This type of bed, placed at right angles to the wall and projecting into the room, is known as a "lit à la française" (French-style bed). Upholsterers played an important role in 17th-century interior decoration. Wooden furniture was much enhanced by decorative textiles. Costly embroidery and fabrics woven in gold or silver thread were held in great esteem.
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Move on to Room 17 and the "Passage de la majolique française" (the corridor display of French faience). A pair of large ewers is exhibited in the vitrine on the right.
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