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Lot Essay
This superb, and remarkably extensive, suite of seat furniture, richly carved throughout with foliage and rocailles, was almost certainly commissioned for the Coigny family for one of their country residences, the château de Mareuil en Brie. This imposing country house was constructed in the 17th century and was occupied at the end of the 18th century by Aimée de Coigny, the duchesse de Fleury, who inspired the poet André Chenier for his most famous work, 'La Jeune Captive' in the 1790's.
The suite was later acquired by the Hon. Mrs. Aileen Plunket for her magnificent country residence in Co. Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle, which had its own colorful history going back to the 15th century. Luttrellstown had been acquired for her by her father the Hon. Ernest Guiness- the philanthropist and chief executive of Guiness Brewery- in 1927, and subsequently Mrs. Plunket embarked on an extensive scheme of redecoration under the guidance of the famed English decorator Felix Harbord. The house was famous for its lavish parties, and was frequently visited by royalty and heads of state.
The suite was later acquired by the Hon. Mrs. Aileen Plunket for her magnificent country residence in Co. Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle, which had its own colorful history going back to the 15th century. Luttrellstown had been acquired for her by her father the Hon. Ernest Guiness- the philanthropist and chief executive of Guiness Brewery- in 1927, and subsequently Mrs. Plunket embarked on an extensive scheme of redecoration under the guidance of the famed English decorator Felix Harbord. The house was famous for its lavish parties, and was frequently visited by royalty and heads of state.