French Louis XVI Style

Admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:04:33 +0000

Louis XVI architecture and furniture design was a reflection of Greek and Roman Designs found in the ruins of Pompeii. The style is a straighter, less ornate furniture design than the Louis XV. You will find the chair backs are usually oval, rectangular or shield form. The curved cabriole legs that were once popular in Louis XV, were then replaced with straight legs and fluted imitating the columns of Rome.

This period doesn't have as much ornamentation compared to Louis XV, although it maintains the ornate delicate detail. Often it's design was not carved in detail nor was it painted, but rather finished in the natural wood.

Since this period is so much influenced by the ideals of ancient Rome and Greece, the details were similar in style. Tables usually had fluted legs that were slim, and straight, topped off with a square box with rosette carving. Details were still ornate with classical motifs like columns, urns and lyres.

A Fine Louis XV Style Lacquered Bronze Mounted Commode Antique Dealer Le Trianon, 1854 North Main Street
Sheffield, MA 01257

Mathieu Criaerd worked during the 1740’s for the dealer Hebert who at the time was supplying furniture to the Garde-Meuble Royal. He made an encoignure in blue and white chinoiserie lacquer for Mademoiselle de Mailly at Choisy, now exhibited in the Musee du Louvre; he also made a kingwood commode for the cabinet of the Dauphin at Versailles which remains in situ. Between 1755-1765, Criaerd worked for Giles Joubert who had succeeded Hebert as supplier to the Garde-Meuble, see a tulipwood commode delivered by Joubert for the Chateau de le Muette in 1754, Criaerd also made a night table for Madame de Pompadour at Choisy and a small encoignure for the Dauphin at Compiegne.

Reference: Les Ebenistes Francais de Louis XVI a la Revolution, by Alexandre Pradere, 1989, pg. 224; Dictionnaire des Ebenistes et des Menuisiers,
“Le Mobilier Francais Du XVIII Siecle”, by Pierre Kjellberg pg. 212-213

French King Louis XIV

FRENCH STYLE » Louis XVI

French Louis XVI Style