Vienna, circa 1832, Biedermeier period, court cabinet maker Mathias Krupnik, original mark by the author, very rare mechanical armchair-bed likely belonging to Maria Dorothea, Archduchess of Austria.

Vienna, circa 1832, Biedermeier period, court cabinet maker Mathias Krupnik (Windmuehle - Wien 63), original mark by the author, very rare extendable and reclining mechanical armchair-bed likely belonging to Maria Dorothea von Württemberg (Carlsruhe – Silesia 1797 – Budapest 1855), Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Hungary, Bohemia, and Tuscany (see original period fire stamp with monogram and archducal crown impressed in the structure of the work). The work, veneered in cherry feather, of museum relevance, is in intact condition with a perfectly functioning mechanism. By pressing the buttons located under the armrests, a complex mechanism is activated that allows the backrest to be positioned at the desired height. In the front, the retractable footrest can be extracted, which still retains the original leather of the time, also positionable at the desired height. This type of armchair, patented in 1832 by Mathias Krupnik, court cabinet maker with imperial license (research carried out at the archives of the Republic of Austria in Vienna – patent deposit details Jahrbuch XVIII S. 516, Nr. 1766), was mainly intended for sick people but not only. The work is in intact condition. It has only been refreshed in the polishing with shellac pad applied with a museum standard technique on the original preserved first patina. Underneath the elegant black satin positioned for aesthetic reasons, the original upholstery with the fabric of the time has been mostly preserved, suitably sanitized. Original porcelain and bronze wheels for moving. Literature for Mathias Krupnik Heinrich Kreisler, die Kunst der deutschen Möbel, page 94. Provenance: noble central European collection. Antique furniture from the pre-industrial era with sophisticated mechanical devices boasts particular museum and collecting interest, not only from the artistic or furnishing history point of view, but also for the ingenuity of these rare and sought-after creations, which document the progress of technology in the history of human civilization. Measurements: height 105 cm, seat height 50 cm, max. length fully reclined with footrest 182 cm. Maria Dorothea Princess of Württemberg (full name Maria Dorothea Luisa Gugliemina Carolina von Württemberg), was born on November 1, 1797, in Carlsruhe (Pokój) in German Silesia; she died on March 30, 1855, in Budapest. By marriage, she was Archduchess of Austria, Palatiness of Hungary, and Princess of Hungary, Bohemia, and Tuscany. On August 23, 1819, in Kirchheim unter Teck, she married Archduke Joseph Anthony John of Austria, Palatine Emperor of Hungary, seventh son of Emperor Leopold II of the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty and the Spanish infant Maria Luisa Borbone. A woman of great culture, of Protestant faith, she was known and much loved for her benevolence and generosity. Known for introducing the use of the Christmas tree in Hungary, long called Dorotheebaum. She died young at 58 in Buda Castle from a stroke. In accordance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides at the time of sale detailed written photo guarantee of originality and provenance of the works sold. The data used to describe the works and then contained in the written guarantees are express determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, even of expert evaluation. Copying and duplication for commercial purposes and/or to describe other works for sale, even if considered in some way related, are prohibited. Recognize the real Viennese Biedermeier from the first phase of the period, distinguishing it from late or Northern European imitations! Read the history of this elegant and sober style and learn to evaluate timeless Viennese masterpieces by designers from 1815 to 1830! Click on the link below to read an unpublished concise practical guide unique in Italy, with links and a virtual tour of museums and galleries in Vienna: Principessa Sissi ® antiques. High antiques and antique experts in Udine Our gallery of true early Viennese Biedermeier by designers, unique in Italy, at the top in Europe. Click on the link below to visit it: Principessa Sissi ® antiques. High antiques gallery Our gallery of antique armchairs. Click on the link below: Principessa Sissi ® antiques. High antiques gallery in Udine