Rose carvings bloom on Rococo Revival furniture
Q: This antique sofa is part of a set that includes two matching armchairs. It was purchased in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1865 and has remained in our family ever since. The set has carved roses and leaves at the top and has been reupholstered several times. The frames are all in excellent condition, and the finish is original.
I am not interested is selling the set but would like to know more about its history and value.
A: Your sofa and matching chairs are examples of Victorian sub-style Rococo Revival. The Rococo Revival period is also known as Louis XV Revival. It began around 1840 and lasted until 1870. The set was factory-made during the Industrial Revolution. Victorian periods of design consisted of several sub-styles that were inspired by earlier pieces. The sub-styles include Gothic Revival, Cottage, Rococo Revival, Renaissance Revival, patent furniture, Eastlake, the Aesthetic Movement and Golden Oak. Your sofa and chairs' carved serpentine back with a continuous wood carved top rail, rose and foliate carving, upholstered back and arms, finger carved seat rail/apron, cabriole legs and canted back legs all characterize Rococo Revival. These sets were often made of black walnut, occasionally made of mahogany and sometimes made of native hardwoods. Many sets included a sofa or settee, a gentleman's armchair and a smaller lady's chair. Frequently, the sets were accompanied by matching side chairs.
Your circa-1865 set would probably be worth $1,500 to $1,900.