Going Gothic, Piece by Piece.
I am not sure if the wallpaper and bedspread were picked for the bed or vice versa; House & Garden’s September issue only talked about the wallpaper, but I was struck by the bed and tapped Autre/Marko once more to make sure this bed, if not actually from the Gothic period, was inspired by it (his opinion is that it was inspired by it…I am now awaiting a response from the designers of the room or the feature editor of H&G to verify the bed’s origins, and the bedspread and lamps!).
Granted if I found this bed at a flea market or an auction I would then say, now what do I do with it, and in that vein I think H&G answered the question well….use this wallpaper and that bedcovering and don’t forget those lovely blue lamps to offset the heavy black color of the bed. Then sleep tight and call me in the morning.
The feel is “gothic” but I’m not sure at all - could be something entirely else. I leave this to the furniture experts. Seen 19th c. gothic revival beds just like that, though.
Best to Kim,
Thanks, Marko. And you are right, until somebody who actually sold the bed or owns it confirms, its origins still remain a question. Working on it.
Could be a total mixture of styles, who knows? it’s so madly and highly decorative - could definitely be southern (so yes, spanish/portuguese baroque or neo-baroque; hey there’s even a term in art history about the baroque tendencies of late gothic period). I’m totally puzzled. Furniture experts call in, please.
I love it and I’m sure you are right. The interior designer for the room, Edward Zajac of A & I Design Partners, NYC, confirmed it as Spanish or Portuguese but couldn’t definitely confirm the period, only that it was c. 17th or 18th century…but given the looks of the bed, it does seem there’s a heavy Gothic reference. That’s interesting about the baroque tendencies of the late gothic period. Another thing Mr. Zajac did say was that the bed is an antique and is no longer available (boo hoo to that). Thank you though, Marko. You may or may not know this, but ever since the Metropolitan Museum’s Anglomania exhibit (May 2006) I’ve been noting the trend for referencing Gothic in more than a few arenas, including and especially fashion for fall 07. John Paul Gaultier has been front and center on that one, no? yes?
Gasp, clutches heart. You have no idea what I might be willing to do for a bed like this. NO idea…
Know what you mean Maryam…looks like something we might be able to find on your shop online to come, maybe?
Just picture it with white bedding and a fabulous suzani throw on the bottom. Oh sigh, again….
Wonder if I can photoshop one in? Next best thing….send me an image of one of your suzani’s and I’ll post it to show what you will be offering in your online shop, with your permission. Then we can all imagine what a suzani could look like on this bed.
spectacularly spectacular! i NEED that bed. i love things that just don’t mess around. that bed maker committed!