Items Similar to 19th C. French Giltwood, Ormolu Swan Bed Corona, Circle Desmalter/ Krieger
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
19th C. French Giltwood, Ormolu Swan Bed Corona, Circle Desmalter/ Krieger
$3,800
£2,883.83
€3,322.79
CA$5,368.79
A$5,752.58
CHF 3,085.85
MX$68,140.08
NOK 38,926.33
SEK 35,611.57
DKK 24,821.65
About the Item
19th Century French Carved Giltwood
Ormolu Swan Bed Corona or Ciel de Lit
France, Circle of Workshops of Jacob-Desmalter or Maison Krieger
Dimensions: 14.5" W x 5" H x 8" D
Ormolu Ring Diameter: 2.25" (fixed)
A richly detailed and finely executed 19th-century French giltwood bed corona, or canopy crest, intricately carved in the form of a stylized swan with outstretched wings. Executed in wood and finished in burnished and toned gilding, the surface exhibits both matte and bright water-gilded textures, accented by punchwork and crosshatching that heighten the feathery detailing. The form is evocative of the Empire and Restoration periods, when allegorical and animal forms—especially swans—were used symbolically in interior architecture and Napoleonic décor.
Clutched in the swan’s talons is a permanently affixed ormolu ring, cast and tooled with a fine guilloché pattern. This ring was likely intended to suspend sheer bed curtains, drapery, or a lightweight baldachin, creating a romantic and ceremonial canopy above a bed or daybed. The back shows hand-chiseled hollowing and pegged construction consistent with 19th-century French workshop methods. Minor wear and a red bole underlayer are visible, suggesting original gilding.
Attribution
Style
While unsigned, this piece may be attributed to the broader tradition of Jacob-Desmalter, or Maison Krieger, known for integrating Empire motifs and avian forms into both furniture and architectural embellishments. Comparable examples appear in French Directoire and Restoration-style bed alcoves.
Use
Originally used as a bed corona (or ciel de lit), this piece would have been mounted above a bed’s headboard, suspending decorative drapery in bedrooms of the aristocracy or haute bourgeoisie. Today, it may serve as a dramatic wall-mounted sculpture, a towel holder, or be incorporated into neoclassical interior design schemes.
Condition
Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear to gilding and ormolu. Structurally sound and ready to mount and display.
- Attributed to:Jacob-Desmalter (Cabinetmaker)Maison Krieger (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Style:Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: T36961stDibs: LU2592348376512
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1996
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,490 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View All18th C. English Carved Giltwood Eagle Facing Left, on Lucite Pedestal Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This 18th-century English carved giltwood eagle, hailing from the Georgian period, is a magnificent example of artisan cabinetry from the era. The eagle carving is expertly carved from giltwood and gessoed, showcasing the skill and artistry of the period.
The eagle is depicted facing left and is perched on an oblong ring, adding a sense of movement and realism to the carving. The details and intricacies of the carving highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.
Mounted on a later two-tiered lucite pedestal base...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Mounted Objects
Materials
Brass
$1,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Iron Mounted Applique/Trophy of Music
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Iron Mounted Applique/Trophy of Music
Museum mounted as a table top sculpture
Italy, 1960s
The exquisite beaut...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Mounted Objects
Materials
Iron
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, Desmalter / Thomire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, circa 1800–1820
School or Workshop Jacob-Desmalter/Thomire
A finely cast French Empire bronze mount depicting Napoleon’s ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Ormolu
Monumental Carved Giltwood Baroque Wall Bracket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental carved giltwood baroque wall bracket, with carved foliate scroll and putti motif. An unusually large wall bracket.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Wall Brackets
Materials
Gesso, Giltwood
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Georgian Carved Mahogany Eagle Ornament, in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Georgian Carved Mahogany Eagle Ornament, in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale, Mounted on Marble Base, circa 1780–1820
A finely carved Georgian-period mahogany eagle fragment, now mo...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble
French Louis XVI Style Gilt Ormolu Blackened Mesh Classical Motifs Fire Screen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Louis XVI Style Gilt Ormolu and Blackened Mesh Fire Screen with Classical Trophy Mounts
France, Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Overall: 31" H x 28" W x 8" D
Cartouche screen...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Metal, Steel, Ormolu
You May Also Like
Italian Mid-18th Century Louis XVI Period Wall Mounted Open Winged Giltwood Swan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and extremely decorative Italian mid 18th century Louis XVI period wall mounted open winged giltwood swan. The charming swan which has a gilt ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Louis XVI Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
Large Regency Giltwood Eagle
Located in Essex, MA
Standing with wings extended and one claw resting on a turtles back. This piece was intended to be displayed outdoors. Many old layers of pain. From the Bartlett Burnap Collection. P...
Category
Antique 1810s English Regency Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Large Late 19th Century American Carved Giltwood Eagle Sculpture
Located in Middleburg, VA
Large Late 19th Century American Carved Giltwood Eagle Sculpture
This majestic sculpture will add the perfect bit of Americana to your decor....
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American American Craftsman Animal Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
Italian Early 19th Century 1st Empire Period Giltwood Eagle Wall Decor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and extremely decorative Italian early 19th century 1st Empire period giltwood eagle wall decor. The impressive wall decor depicts a beautiful wonderfully executed ope...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Art
Materials
Giltwood
American Gilt Carved Wood and Gesso Perched Eagle, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and gesso Eagle with extended wings perched on decorative acanthus floral motif, Early 19th century.
Category
Antique 1830s American American Empire Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
American Gilt Carved Wood and Gesso Spread Winged Eagle, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and gesso eagle with extended wings grasping gilt rounded bar. Eagle was used for center decoration on drapery rod. Early 19th c...
Category
Antique 1820s American American Empire Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Giltwood
