Recamier Value Guide

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 affects the value of Recamier?

• 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.