Each with shaped headboard surmounted by a shell crest, above ribbon-tied floral bouquets, the footboard mounted with a putto seated on drapery and clutching grapes and apples, on toupie feet
65½ in. (166.5 cm.) high; 33 in. (84 cm.) wide; 90 in. (229 cm.) long (2)

By repute, King Ludwig I of Bavaria (1786-1868).
Christie's, London, 24 February 2005, lot 72.
The Private Collection of the late Stanley J. Seeger, Sotheby's, London, 5 March, 2014, lot 247.

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
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Lot Essay

Whilst the reputed provenance remains unsubstantiated, these fantastical beds bear many of the stylistic hallmarks most readily associated with taste of King Ludwig I of Bavaria (1786-1868). Famed for his extravagant Francophile taste and love of gilt, throughout his lifetime he constructed some of the most stylistically diverse and imaginative residences of the 19th century.

With its curved shell back and cupid seated on the prow, the beds are reminiscent of the of the gondola Ludwig had made for arguably his most celebrated creation a ' Venus grotto' at Schloss Linderhof, completed in 1877 and based on the 1st act of Richard Wagner’s opera “Tannhäuser”. The translation of such motifs into beds seems only too appropriate given the soporiphic qualities of the Grotto described by Wagner:

'Come, beloved, see yonder grotto,
filled with rosy fragrance gently wafting!
That abode of sweetest delight would offer
enchantment even to a god.
Lulled on the downiest of cushions'