Recamier Value Guide

- Period
- 1800-1840
- Origin
- France
- Materials
- Wood, fabric, stuffing
- Category
- Furniture
The Recamier is a hallmark of Neoclassical French design, famously named after Madame Récamier following her 1800 portrait by Jacques-Louis David. This specific example from the 1800-1840 era features the iconic elongated form and single armrest that made it a staple of 19th-century elite fashion.
What Is Recamier Worth?
The typical price range for Recamier is $700 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:
- Condition of the wooden frame and the quality of the striped fabric upholstery significantly impact the $700-$900 price range.
- Provenance linking the piece to early 19th-century French workshops can increase collector interest.
- The preservation of original structural elements versus modern restorations affects overall market value.
- The elegance of the carving and the specific wood species used in the frame construction.
How to Identify Recamier?
- Look for the distinctive single raised armrest and elongated, backless frame characteristic of early 19th-century French production.
- Examine the wooden frame for construction techniques consistent with the 1800-1840 period, such as hand-carved joinery.
- Verify the silhouette matches the Neoclassical style popularized by Jacques-Louis David's famous portraiture.
- Check for period-appropriate stuffing materials beneath the striped fabric upholstery.
History of Recamier
The recamier, often confused with the chaise lounge, is a sofa with two raised ends and no back, or in some variations, only one raised end. It is named after Madame Récamier, who was famously painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1800, reclining on a backless sofa. This piece became a symbol of Neoclassical elegance and a popular furniture item among the fashionable elite of the 19th century.
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