Design for a Canopy Bed

Anonymous, French, 18th century

ca. 1760–80 · Watercolor over graphite · Drawings and Prints

The canopy bed played an essential role in every nobleman’s bedroom. Not only did it afford privacy but, especially in the more northern parts of Europe, the rich draperies also played an important part in keeping the temperature agreeable. During the 17th and 18th century more and more attention was paid to the design of canopy beds. The headboards, poles and feet were sculpted or carved into all kinds of shapes, and expensive, sometimes meticulously embroidered draperies were chosen. This design for a canopy bed is relatively modest and was probably intended for a somewhat lower end of the market. The only details of note are the sculpted turtle doves on top of the baldachin, which indicate that this design may have been meant for the bedroom of a newly wedded couple.

Artist

Anonymous, French, 18th century

Date

ca. 1760–80

Medium

Watercolor over graphite

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949