CIRCA 1780

The inventory marks on this tabouret indicate it arrived at Fontainebleau, one of the largest Royal châteaux, at some point after Napoleon's abdication. Fontainebleau was in use as early as the 12th century during the reign of Louis VII. It was the principal residence of the French Royal family and its Court until it fell into disuse after Louis XIV built Versailles and the Royal Court relocated to this glittering new residence. Many of the contents were sold during the Revolution but under the reign of the Emperor Napoleon, Fontainebleau regained its status as a major residence and its new interiors were emblematic of Imperial grandeur.