Louis XVI Dog Stool – Château De Foulletorte – Malherbe Family.

A large square tile resting on four tapered and fluted Louis XVI legs, finely turned and reeded, characteristic of the Neoclassical vocabulary of the 1770s–1790s. Its particularly wide proportions (68.5 cm per side) and low height (28 cm to the cushion) give the piece an unusual presence, far exceeding the classic formats of 18th-century floor tiles. Structure: The complete dismantling carried out during restoration established that: The four legs are authentically 18th century. The stretchers were previously reworked or remade, probably in the 19th or early 20th century, forming a coherent composite whole. This type of early reassembly is common in aristocratic homes, where antique furniture was adapted and transformed to suit domestic needs. The piece retains its original lacquer in cream/grayish-green tones, displaying a vibrant and natural patina. Hypothesis of use: Its exceptionally wide and low proportions evoke the so-called “dog tiles” mentioned in aristocratic inventories of the 18th and 19th centuries. While this cannot be stated with certainty, it is likely that the earlier enlargement was made for a specific purpose, possibly for a pet within the interior of a castle. Provenance: Beneath the crossbar remains an old handwritten label bearing the inscription: “Countess d'Espinay Saint-Luc Countess de Malherbe Château de Foulletorte.” This inscription corresponds to Madame Henriette-Marie-Antoinette d'Espinay Saint-Luc († 1926), wife of Christian de Malherbe, owner of the Château de Foulletorte (Mayenne). The château has belonged to the de Malherbe family since the 19th century, and this label attests to the presence of the tile in this residence at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Upholstery: The tile has been completely re-upholstered. It is now upholstered in an elegant Indian "Bangalore" pattern, with 18th-century inspired floral decoration in rich and harmonious tones. A matching braid and tassels accentuate the edge of the seat. The upholstery is new and comfortable. Condition: Restored, stable structure, recent upholstery. Dimensions: Width: 68.5 cm Depth: 68.5 cm Height to cushion: 28 cm Conclusion: A striking "carreau" stool, combining authentic Louis XVI elements with earlier alterations, bearing an identified and documented aristocratic provenance, preserved at the Château de Foulletorte in the Malherbe family.