French Period

 Baroque, Regency, Rococco, Neoclassical Style

Gina Christopher

The Enlightenment took place after the Renaissance, and many feel that it was the defining moment in the creation of modernism. Due to enlightenment thinkers, Europe revamped democracy, promoted equality, promised individual liberty, and endeavored to build a secular state and moral code. Artistic production during this time was rapidly changing in style. The 4 distinct styles of this period in order are: Baroque(1643-1700), Regency(1700-1730), Rococo(1730-1760), and Neoclassical(1760-1789). This represents a modern trend, speeding up stylistic change, which will be the case from this period until today. Rococo style is the primary style of this period, embodying asymmetrical designs, decorative arts (painting, sculptures, interiors, and fashion), and furniture. According to many, Rococo furnishings were the finest objects ever crafted. 

My favorite Art/Architecture/Furniture 

Hotel de Soubise - Paris 

Boffrand designed an oval room that was added into the existing Hotel de Soubise. His remodeling of the hotel is considered one of the best Rococo interiors of all time. That walls and ceilings are outfitted with white planets and pale blue flattish dome ceiling. Paintings, mirrors, and intricate carved wood make this room so remarkable. It’s simply stunning to me!

Bergere Chair 

The bergere chair is a larger more an informal chair with an enclosed back and arms. The curvature of the chair hid the fact that it was a weight-supporting structure, or in other words made it look lighter. Bergere means farmers wife. The idea is that a farmer’s wife after a long day on the farm would rest in such a chair. This wasn’t actually the case because these chairs were out of a farmers price range. Interesting!

Petite Trianon 

The Petite Trianon is of the Neoclassical style. It is a plain stone facade box-shaped house with Corinthian columns, French doors, classical balustrade, and symmetrical balance. The interior of the building included motifs and decoration derived from Pompeii, mirrors, low ceilings, paneled walls, classical ornamentation (Roman and Greek), and limited curvature. The Petite Trianon was used by Marie Antoinette for a personal retreat and entertaining friends. I like how the interior and exterior demonstrating less in more, through the use of line and planes, and little colors. 

Current Applications

U.S. Capitol Building 

The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. is a great example of current day neoclassical architecture. It features neoclassical elects such as, Corinthian columns, pediments, and a central dome. The interior also resembles neoclassical style due to its coffered ceilings and elaborate stone carving. 

Neoclassical interior design today

Neoclassical interiors are timeless. Today we are bringing back the bright, light, and elaborately decorative interiors that we study in the Rococo period. In this we use many curvilinear shapes and detailed wall work, such as trims, wainscoting, and paneling. The colors include a light and neutral feel with whites, beiges, and pastels, giving a luxurious coastal grandma feel.

Neoclassical furniture today

We still see many Bergere like chairs today. I notice them in homes, waiting rooms, and funeral homes. Today, the Bergere chair is usually one color and not patterned. There are even some variations of the chair such as the cocoon Bergere, which have a structural outer shell and cushions. 

One Step Further 

Charles Cressent 

Charles was one of the most successful and prolific furniture designers during this time period. He is one of few cabinetmakers whose name is known. He became a leading cabinetmaker in the Regency period. He specialized in fine marquetry work, creating scenes using pieces of veneer. Very similar the parquetry we learned in shop! Please view some of his works below.