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Lot Essay
Probably designed for a billiard room, a closely related banquette from the collection of Paul Dutasta is illustrated in F.J.B. Watson, Louis XVI Furniture, London, 1960, fig.203.
Compiègne was a favoured hunting ground for the French Royal family. During the French Revolution, the Royal palace of Compiègne passed under the jurisdiction of the Minister for the Interior, whose task it was to liquidate all assets. In 1795, all the château's furniture ensembles were sold and the works of art were sent to the Muséum Central. 1799 and 1800 saw the setting up of the 'Prytanée militaire' and Bonaparte's first visit. Napoleon was said to look upon Compiègne as his 'Versailles' and the château was extensively refurbished by the Garde-Meuble Impérial.
Compiègne was a favoured hunting ground for the French Royal family. During the French Revolution, the Royal palace of Compiègne passed under the jurisdiction of the Minister for the Interior, whose task it was to liquidate all assets. In 1795, all the château's furniture ensembles were sold and the works of art were sent to the Muséum Central. 1799 and 1800 saw the setting up of the 'Prytanée militaire' and Bonaparte's first visit. Napoleon was said to look upon Compiègne as his 'Versailles' and the château was extensively refurbished by the Garde-Meuble Impérial.