Country French Antiques

Country French antiques have been a delight to connoisseurs of antique stuff. From the French antiques the armoires, chairs, chandeliers and tables are the most popular. The French furniture comprises both of the sophisticated items from Paris for the aristocracy and the rich, and furniture from the French provincial cities and towns that showcase talent of the districts. The grand tradition of French royal furniture received its impetus from the establishment of the Manufacture royale des Gobelins under the organization of the arts in the service of Louis XIV of France. The other popular form from France was the furniture from country side that stayed up to the mid nineteenth century.

During the Middle Ages furniture was functional and practical, confined to a few pieces such as table, benches, stools and beds. Carving showed wealth or was used for dowry pieces. This period covers the Romanesque and Gothic eras.

Although Gothic styles continued into the 16th century, the influence of the Italian Renaissance was soon felt in France. Antique Furniture became less heavy, more comfortable and more decorated. Renaissance palaces were particularly ornamental.

During the seventeenth century it was a time of exploration and discovery, as well as religious and political unrest. New wealth changed the style and manner of living. During the first part of the century furniture design was dominated by the elegance of the Renaissance, but gradually changed to the baroque, a massive ornate style originating in Italy. Baroque reached its height in France under Louise XIV. For the first time people expected furniture to be comfortable, as well as beautiful.

The golden age of cabinetmaking, reflected the elaborate social customs of the day. Industrial development, international trade and the migration of craftsmen created prosperity and an exchange of idea. Furniture was influenced by the Orient. Foreign material, especially mahogany, played an important role in the first half of the century, while the discovery of Pompeii and the use of satinwood influenced design in the second half. New pieces and designs appeared. Styles were set in France, migrated to England and then America. There was a particular liking for small tables and cabinets, commodes, and large writing tables. Furniture styles changed from the massive ornate baroque of Louise XIV to the delicate decorated rococo of Louis XV, then to the neo-classicism of Louis XVI and Directoire.

A time of decorative conflict and a wave of classicism was inspired by the discovery of the ruins of Pompeii and social unrest at the end of the 18th century. Expression became congruous to the Louis XV, Directoire and Empire styles. While cabinetmakers exploited new industrialised techniques, they maintained a fascination with the past. Design elements were borrowed from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. A renewed interest in the Middle Ages led to Gothic details. Renaissance forms were also admired, and cabinetmakers made enormous walnut buffets. 18th century styles were also thrown into the pot – it was an eclectic mix.

Modern materials and technology changed traditional construction methods, with the emphasis on the functional. Wood was still the most popular material, but glass, metal and plastics were also used. Beauty was provided by structure and materials, rather than surface ornamentation. Furniture was scaled to modern houses and apartments. An interest in traditional styles led to antique collecting and also ‘antiquing’ and reproduction pieces.

Though modernism in furniture has set in, antique pieces will be cherished and will withstand the testing times of future specially in the French Country Furniture genre.

About the Author

Inessa Stewart, the owner of Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors lives and breathes antiques. Her passion for all things antique is known all over the world. From a small gallery to the largest importer of European antiques in the USA, she has scaled great heights ­in the world of antiques.

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