Speaking of "buns of steel" I've been studying Reniassance scultures and they love their naked people, let me tell you. If you can get past the awkwardness of staring at bare buns, there's much to be appreciated in the skill and celebration of human life from the work of stone. Rick Steves does a great commentary on the Louvre scultures, somewhat humorously, and I managed to find myself laughing out loud at his depictions. More on this to follow shortly after arrival in Paris.
The Rococo Age or also known as the late Baroque age is often so glitzy, it's overly sweet. Think 1700's and Marie Antoinette, can we say gaudy embellishment? Thankfully the French Revolution stopped all the fun and sense returned to fashion and decor. (If you're not catching the sarcasm in my writing, I'm sorry for you.)
A few years ago I went on a trip to Vail with my family. We meandered through the beyond-expensive stores and while everyone else was looking for the bargain clothes find, I was salivating over the architecture and furniture. Rooms were balanced between modern and bygone eras. One particular couch caught my eye. I noticed its large and wide seat base, about the size of a slender bed. I noticed the over-cushioned stuffing that added imperfection to the lines. Then I noticed what made the couch: curved upholstered arms. I had immediate covet issues and decided I would go home and find out how to get a couch of my own.
For two years I researched and searched for this couch. $10,000, $5,000, $2,500. OMG! I wanted a couch with curved arms! I asked every antique store in Florence to be on the look out for me. I scoured ebay and learned everything I could about these couches. One dealer even found one, but it did not have the right look. I sadly said no and waited.
From time to time I walk into our local thrift store to see what I can find, and one day God gave me a hug and said "Heather, here is your couch!" I walked in and saw it and knew. I snatched up the price tag and made delivery plans. Not only was the form beautiful, but the couch itself was in good order and of very good quality. I noticed the overlapped fabric, the thickness of the fabric, and the underneath work. This was a good find.
Want to know the price? A whopping $75.00. Isn't life wonderful? I took a picture straight to my Texas friend in the local antique furniture store downtown (who has eaten at Joe Allen's steak house)and she smiled in envy at my find. Us thrifters love it when one of us gets a good one.
Disclaimer: Even though I started out looking for a Rococo couch I didn't end up with one. My guess is that this is a 1930s or 40s copy of French boutique furniture of the late 1790s, early 1800's. I am not an aficionado of antiquities so you're welcome to email me and inform me of the correct era and style. Whatever the case, it's beautiful, isn't it?
When it's time, come on over and sit for a while.
It took me two years to find the couch,
now to think about fabric. Oh no!
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