Biedermeier seating group, complete with 1 settee, 3 chairs, Vienna, c1820

The Biedermeier era comprised the years between 1815 and 1848 (the end of the Napoleonic Wars). In a reaction to the fussiness of the French Romantic era, the furniture makers of Vienna began producing pieces with clean lines and bold simple designs. There was more emphasis on the beauty of the wood. Many pieces tended to be very light or very dark… or a combination of both. As the style developed, it became the ultimate status symbol to own highly sophisticated pieces of high styled Biedermeier furniture.

Without being judgmental, you would say this seating set is not high style Biedermeier. In fact, that is part of its appeal. It has the beautiful lines, wood, history and graceful design details of the period. But unlike some of its richer cousins that are too precious to use, this set is very usable. It is a complete seating set. The only thing that is missing is a table that would have been part of the set. (These sets were made with only 3 chairs plus the settee.)

Everything has been reglued, rewebbed and reupholstered. It still has the original springs and horsehair form, so the shape of the upholstery is true to the original. Some veneer has been repaired, but most of the wood was not veneered, so it’s less likely to require maintenance in the future. The back of the settee, which was not originally upholstered, has now been upholstered so that the settee can sit in the middle of a room. The wood on the back was never finished for display, but it’s actually quite presentable. The new silk upholstery fabric was chosen to match the flavor of the original ribbon-stripped fabric, but it’s been updated a bit to have a more contemporary look. (We wouldn’t have taken this liberty with a priceless museum quality piece. But it works here, and everyone loves it in the store.)

Condition: Very good. It has the scuffs you’d expect, but it’s sturdy and comfortable. The finish, which we did not alter, has the look of rich smooth honey.

Measurements: The settee measures 66 inches wide, 23 inches deep and 39 inches high. The chairs measure 19 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 33 inches high. The seating surfaces are 21 inches high on the settee and 19 inches high on the chairs.

Price: $12,500.00 (Please allow us several days to get you a cost quote for crating, shipping and insurance. You account will be billed upon approval of the total cost.)

Reference: N0000169

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