Brief History of French Furniture	..

The Brilliant Period of Louis XV (1715-1774)
The reign of Louis XV found France continuing to lead and influence world culture. The style of this period, commonly known as "Rococo", is one of those vivid flights of the imagination that art history rarely witnesses. Whereas the purpose of the art of the Baroque had been to glorify the King, the art of the Rococo was for everyone, and particularly for pretty women - to please them, to accentuate their physical attractions, and to establish their supremacy and power. With greater participation of women in politics, in literature, and in active life, French art became sensuous and pagan; yet light, graceful and fantastic. Its purpose was not the expression of heavy dignity, but to please the beholder by an emotional and often voluptuous appeal. Interior decoration placed stress on human comforts and practicality; rooms were reduced in size, many were designed especially for "La Vie Intime." The Chatelaine (mistress of the manor), in furnishing her city or country home, desired ultimate warmth, convenience, and cordiality, as well as distinction. It is these same effects that are sought by women of today, who wish their homes to achieve significant expression of their personalities. The beauty and flexibility of French furniture continues to meet this important demand. Furniture of this period is recognized as luxurious, small in scale, and feminine. Detailed attention was placed on chairs, stools, commodes (low chests of drawers), cabinet, small tables and bedsteads. Chairs featured cabriole legs, carved knees, scroll feet, broad and round seats; arm supports which were carved and joined to elaborately carved seat rails, were always exposed. Tables had curved legs, onyx or marble tops, and elaborately carved stretchers. Cabinet and chests were built with bombe (convex) fronts and sides, carved aprons, cabriole legs. Upholstery fabrics included tapestries, patterned brocades, velvets. Woods used were primarily walnut and white oak. The King's favorite - Madame de Pompadour - a woman of great culture and refinement, was intensely interested in the decorative arts and spent both time and wealth on their behalf. Her ardent enthusiasm caused significant revitalization and her exquisite taste became a dominant influence. And from her lips came the password of the return to classic ideals - "a la Grecque"! Thus Madame de Pompadour's legacy to the succeeding reign was the advice to make simplicity the new keynote of French art.