From Baroque to Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Empire, Eighteenth Century French furniture was painstakingly crafted to exacting standards. Through reproduction of antique classical furniture, by our 'old world' craftsmen, Savoia Chair Frames proud to carry on this tradition of excellence.How to Spot Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI Chairs A field guide for anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge of French antiques French furniture pieces from the 18th-century are, in many ways, the Platonic ideal of an antique. By and large, they are exquisitely constructed, reflect a rich social and political context and come with their own semi-foreign vocabulary. French furniture pieces from the 18th-century can also be dauntingly complex and overwhelming to a non-expert. But, believe it or not, you don’t need to have a degree in the decorative arts to appreciate (or retain) some of the nuances of French antiques. To wit, we created a basic primer to help you learn, spot and understand some of the key differences between armchairs of the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles.
It should also be noted that, since these styles evolved organically, pieces may exhibit characteristics of more than one age simultaneously. Nevertheless, approach it as a framework to learn your ABCs of the XIVs — and to take a little of the guesswork out of French antiques. Read on to get started! Context: The Sun King took the throne in 1661, and his reign ushered in a period of unparalleled splendor in the French decorative arts. It was his belief that the furnishings and decor (not to mention his home, Versailles) should reflect the glory, wealth and power of the monarchy itself. Accordingly, many of the exuberant, flamboyant pieces from this period (or, pieces created in the Louis XIV style) may be properly described as Baroque. How to spot a Louis XIV chair: Seat backs are rigid, rectangular and upright Seat backs are also frequently upholstered The seat itself is rectangular Armrests extend to the edge of the seat Chair legs are straight, and not connected at an angle
Stretchers connect the legs beneath the seat Context: Louis XV style represents the French iteration of Rococo. In fact, the term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles—“rock” and “shells”—organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style. Gentle S-curves and naturalistic floral motifs are characteristic of the period, and crop up frequently on carvings of chairs. Some postulate that the increased social prominence of women influenced the more delicate and asymmetrical designs of the Louis XV style. How to spot a Louis XV chair: Seat backs are framed with molded and/or curved wood Seat backs are often cartouche-shaped (read: rounded ovals) An emphasis on comfort means that seat backs are often gently angled The crest rail — or top curve of the seat back frame — features carvings, or even a central medallion Armrests are shorter (Trivia: they shrunk to accommodate increasingly full skirts)
Chair legs are placed at an angle Cabriole, or S-curved, leg shapes are popular Context: 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. Restrained, geometrical forms were preferred to the twirled, freehand designs of Rococo, and stylized references to classical Greek architecture abounded. How to spot a Louis XVI chair: Seat backs are oval or shield-shaped Chair frames are geometric, neat and angular Carvings are more restrained, and reflect regularized, classical motifs, like the Vitruvian scroll Arm rests meet the front of the seat, often in scroll arm terminals Chair legs are typically straight Chair legs also often reflect references to columns, like fluted or ribbon-twist carvings
All drawings courtesy of the Smithsonian Digital Archives. Put your newfound knowledge to the test and see how many items you can correctly date while shopping French seating pieces on 1stdibsFrench Louis Xv Arm Chair Add a stylish decoration feature to the interior with a French Louis XV armchair. You'll enhance the space not only with royal chic and luxury but also decoration element that catches the eye. See the collection below to get a glance of lush upholsteries and elaborate carving in wood. Louis XV French Rattan Chair Stunning, french-inspired armchair, designed in rococo style. Double caned rattan seat and back, framed in solid mahogany construction with sophisticated handcrafted golden details. This beautiful armchair will suit any antique styled home. Louis XV Bergere Arm Chair (Set of 2) This set of two arm chairs in a Louis XV style will add a touch of luxury to any interior. Wooden, ornate frame in rich brown is hand made and hand carved. Seat and backrest are upholstered with colorful fabric.
Louis XV Bergere Arm Chair Royal armchair with hand-made upholstery. Sophisticated design with carefully made carvings. It offers a large surface area for the seat. A stylish addition to the living room and more. Louis XV Arm Chair Beautifully designed Arm Chair in Distressed Oak Finish offers retro accents suitable for almost any type of interior. The frame is crafted of solid hardwood, with arms, seat and back upholstered in dot and dash print fabric. Beautifully crafted arm chair inspired by classic French style. Additionally, it features hardwood construction, which makes it a long lasting construction. This armchair is hand finished and features hand upholstery. SOLDVintage Louis XIV Style French Arm Chair by ZoeysUberChicLoft, $198.00 Antique Louis XIV Style French Parlor Arm by ZoeysUberChicLoft, $329.00. Vintage French Louis XV Style Gilt Ornate Rococo Armchairs Pair-antique, grey, upholstered, dining,shabby, gold, furniture, pair, arm, chairs, chair
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