I know you are reading the title and thinking, what? Yes. 18th century dog beds. Why am I writing about them? Because they are adorable, that’s why!!
During the eighteenth century, lapdogs were incredibly popular with those of the high society. These little creatures were always around, and so dog kennels became fashionable additions to their interiors. Below, Madame de Pompadour and her doggie!
“Madame de Pompadour at her Tambour Frame”.Painting, 1763, by François-Hubert Drouais. Via AKG images.
Below is a French engraving from 1774 “La Soiree d’Hyer” which depicts in the bottom righthand corner one of the dog beds! Engraving image source
Below is an image of the Paar room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1765-72). IT has fabulous examples of period French furniture from the Paar Palace in Vienna. If you look closely, you will find a dog bed in front of one right window.
This niche de chien (dog kennel, in French) likely belonged to Marie Antoinette. The fabric is velvet. The wood is gilded beech. It is stamped by Marie Antoinette’s furniture maker.
Dog kennel Claude I Sené (1724–1792, master 1743), ca. 1775–80, Gilded beech and pine; silk and velvet. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The pair below, niches en tabourets(dog bed footstools) are more functional. The dog sleeps inside and the master uses it as a footrest! Madame de Pompadour supposedly had a pair similar to these!
Etienne Nauroy, Pair of Louis XV Dog Kennels. 1765, Gilt wood. Wrightsman Collection, image: Sothebys. sold Sotheby`s New York, 28th April 2010, lot 121, $86,500.
A rare giltwood and gesso dog`s sedan chair Louis XV, circa 1765, of pagoda form, the arched top with ostrich feather plumes, covered with red velvet with brass studs, the interior with a red velvet cushion, on a giltwood base ornamented with dog motifs, on cabriole legs. image: Sothebys
A French company recently had made some repro beds below, but it seems they are no longer in business. I have included the pictures anyway from Apartment Therapy, because the beds are cute!
The only French appearing dog bed I could find made today is by French bedroom company.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the pampered pooch. It seems they have long been man’s best friend.
These dog beds are spectacular, not sure which is my favorite, the Blue velvet is a good contender, also the pink round bed, I love the opening for doggy to step/jump into and the two green beds are lovely. Dogs love comfort I am not too happy with the canopy beds, yet, they are very smart, alas, just not my style. These beds are very luxurious and exquisite, hopefully the pedigree will match the style! Saying no more! Thank you for sharing it has been delightful to see.
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I am glad you enjoyed the post!
Love all the beds and found the info interesting. They had such beautiful furnishings back then!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
YES, love the article on Pooch Beds. My fur babies have always had a bed….why not? But of course they like sleeping on our bed with us. All the beds above are pretty!
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Yes my cat refuses to sleep in the bed I bought her -she likes mine!
Those are all so fun! I love history and seeing how things were back then. What a fun post. Thanks for linking up to our Friday Friends parade!
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Thank you! I thought they were quite fun so had to share!
OMW our fur babies would be in heaven if they had one of these to chase their dreamy rabbits in and our babies are pretty pampered as it is. Loved this post Angelina.
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Aren’t these dog beds so cute! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!