A History Of French Furniture...Part I
With a New Year ahead of us, it feels like a great way to move forward is to first explain a little bit about where we're coming from. We span a vast amount of styles and time periods here at the Homes Direct 365 website. Browsing through our products you will see terms like rococo and baroque and Louis XV and many more scattered throughout and may wonder where these terms come from, what the history is, what the difference between them is...you may not wonder at all and just simply enjoy how elegant and regal antique French furniture can look, but the great history of the furniture adds to that allure.
Although only reproductions, they are based on pieces with stories and memories, and in essence this is what makes antique furniture a bit more special. This week we're going to take a look through Part 1 of a history of French furniture:
1300-1500 - Medieval Style
This period is often described as 'Gothic'. It's an obscure period in French Furniture history dominated by rectangular heavily carved pieces made out of solid oak.
1500 -1610 - Renaissance Style
The Renaissance style places emphasis on symmetry, proportion, geometry and the regularity of parts, appearing in regions all over Europe and taking from Greek and Roman culture. During this period furniture is still heavily carved, and there is introduction of pillars and columns framing the furniture pieces.
1610 - 1643 - Louis XIII Style
During the reign of Louis XIII, craftsmen began to make use of turned wood to form legs, stretchers and decorative columns, as well as mouldings. This period introduced the French armoire, which took over from general chests of drawers.
1643-1715 - Louis XIV Style - Baroque
In 1643 Louis XIV began his reign at age four and lasted seventy-two years, three months, and eighteen days, eventually succumbing to gangrene days before his 77th birthday. It is one of the longest documented reigns of any European monarch. Also known as ‘Le Grand Monarque’, he declared himself the Church and the State.
The reign of King Louis XIV set in motion 'elegant' furniture design in France. French furniture became more refined in design, less bulky, and placed far more emphasis on flowing symmetrical design. Louis XIV saw the beginnings of the Baroque style. The Versailles Palace was decorated in a strong, dramatic and exuberant style echoing the King’s strong leadership in a period of war and colonial empire building. The French classical Baroque style was grand and impressive, a s ymbol of the King’s power.
There's plenty more great and prosperous periods to take a look at, we will resume with Part II shortly! Taking some time to discuss the magnificent Regency and Rococo styles that are soon to follow on after Louis XIV...
For more information on this and our other offers visit http://www.shopoftheworld.com
