Florentine manufacture
Lettuccio (Day Bed), late 15th-early 16th century, carved and inlaid walnut
The day bed, as its name suggests, was used for sitting or reclining, fully dressed, during the daytime. Often designed as a companion piece to the bed proper, the day bed was normally a singularly luxurious item. Its high back tended to be decorated with moulded panels alternating with carved uprights, or else it could be painted with geometric patterns or figured scenes. One of its principal features was a huge overhanging moulding, which was also used as a shelf and occasionally even fitted with pegs for hanging hats and other items of clothing. The day bed was equipped with one or more mattresses and two large cushions which rested on its arms. When the bed wasn’t in use, these accoutrements were stored in the chest beneath it.
