Louis Xiv Furniture Characteristics

If the louis xiv furniture style was designed with the glorification of the sun king in mind and all in massive masculine square form the louis xv furniture style is the complete opposite.

Louis xiv furniture characteristics.

Louis xiv furniture was massive and lavishly covered with sculpture and ornament of gilded bronze in the earlier part of the personal rule of king louis xiv of france 1660 1690. The french were the main adopters of the baroque style. The mastermind behind the gilded glory of versailles louis xiv whose long reign lasted from 1643 to 1715 felt that his surroundings should mirror the divine power of the monarchy itself. Termed the goût grec when it emerged circa 1750 louis xvi style reflects a reaction against the florid stylings of the previous era and according to some historians a nostalgic impulse for the grandeur of the louis xiv s reign during the second half of the 18th century french furniture underwent a neoclassical revision.

Louis the xiv s reign marked the end of the renaissance and the rise of this very influential style often considered the most magnificent of the french period styles writes the v a. In 1699 a decorative scheme of wall painting was proposed for the apartment of the duchesse de bourgogne louis xiv s granddaughter in law. The primary characteristics of the louis xiv style of french furniture include. The era of king louis xiv or louis quatorze marked the definite end of the renaissance period in france and the beginning of a series of distinct period furniture styles the first being the enormously influential baroque.

The royal treatment there s a reason louis xiv was known as the sun king. However toward the end of the louis xiv period the furniture was slightly reduced in size and more appealing. Seating became more intimate and comfortable and plentiful decoration in the form of veneers gilt bronze and wood marquetry was popular. Common pieces included bookcases cane chairs chaise longues and drop front secretaries.

During this period furniture began to exhibit characteristics of the rococo style. Every aspect of furniture production was affected. In this era great furniture designers and cabinet makers thrived. Artists and craftsmen followed suit resulting in furnishings that were highly ornate often gilded and decidedly.

The louis xiv style was predominant between 1643 and 1715. The louis xvi furniture era in some ways was a rather dramatic change bringing on a more delicate and dainty appearance to the style of furniture. Restrictions were imposed on the gilding of wall paneling and furniture and the gobelins manufactory was closed between 1694 and 1699. After about 1690 thanks in large part to the furniture designer andré charles boulle a more original and delicate style appeared sometimes known as boulle work it was based on the use of marquetry the inlay of.

The french furniture style we call louis xv flourished during the period of 1730 1775.