Antique Louis XVI commode

Louis XVI (1754 – 1793) was King of France and Navarre from

1774 until 1791, after which he was subsequently King of the French from 1791

to 1792, before his deposition and execution during the French Revolution. His

father, Louis, Dauphin of France, was the son and heir apparent of Louis XV of

France. Due to the Dauphin's death in 1765, Louis succeeded his grandfather in

1774.

The Louis XVI style of furniture developed as a reaction to

the lavish and ornate Rococo style of the preceding Louis XV era, reflecting a

shift towards neoclassicism and a return to more... more symmetrical, restrained, and

refined designs.

Louis XVI furniture is characterized by its clean lines,

geometric shapes, and a greater emphasis on symmetry and proportion. Inspired

by the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, this style drew upon

classical motifs, including fluted columns, urns, laurel wreaths, and Greek key

patterns.

Chairs in the Louis XVI style often feature rectangular or

oval backs with straight or slightly curved lines. The legs are usually

straight and tapered, sometimes with fluting or reeded details. Instead of the

elaborate carvings and curvilinear forms of the previous era, Louis XVI chairs

tend to exhibit simpler and more geometric shapes. The seats are typically

padded and upholstered in luxurious fabrics, often featuring neoclassical

patterns or motifs.

Tables in the Louis XVI style often have rectangular or oval

tops and straight, tapered legs. They may feature decorative inlays or veneers,

such as marquetry or parquetry, showcasing intricate patterns and motifs. These

tables are often crafted from fine woods, such as mahogany, walnut, or oak.

Chests of drawers and commodes in the Louis XVI style are

characterized by clean lines and straight edges. They often feature fluted or

rounded corners and may be adorned with elegant brass or bronze hardware. The front

panels of these pieces may showcase decorative inlays or marquetry,

highlighting neoclassical designs such as urns, swags, or medallions.

Mirrors in the Louis XVI style are typically rectangular or

oval in shape, with straight or gently curved frames. The frames may be adorned

with decorative elements, such as delicate carving or fluting, and feature

neoclassical motifs like laurel wreaths or urns. Gilding was commonly used to

add a touch of luxury and highlight the fine details of the mirrors.

Marble was a favoured material for Louis XVI furniture,

often used for tabletops, mantelpieces, and decorative elements. Light-colored

marbles, such as Carrara or Statuary marble, were popular choices and added a

sense of elegance and sophistication to the pieces.

The colour palette of Louis XVI furniture tends to be light

and restrained. Neutral shades, such as creams, grays, and whites, are commonly

used, often paired with soft pastels or subtle tones. These colors contribute

to the overall sense of elegance and refinement associated with the style.

The Louis XVI style represents a shift towards classical

simplicity and elegance, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman

aesthetics. Its clean lines, harmonious proportions, and restrained

ornamentation continue to be admired for their timeless beauty and grace. Louis

XVI furniture reflects the refined tastes of the late 18th century, serving as

a testament to the enduring influence of neoclassicism in design and

architecture.

Until the mid-19th century, the standard chest had either four long, or three long and two short drawers. Rarely were there any exceptions to this rule. A chest with three drawers, or a series of small upper drawers, purporting to be Georgian, will probably have been converted from a chest-on-chest or tallboy. It is true that the 18th century commode often contain two long deep drawers, but this was a much grander and more decorative piece altogether, intended for drawing rooms, not bedrooms, and in any case was usually made to stand on legs. The standard chest more... of drawers continued to be made throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries (some Edwardian pine chests even had bracket feet), but variations were introduced during the mid-Victorian period, with some chests having seven or more drawers usually a deep hat drawer and smaller glove compartments. Chests with barley-sugar twist or split bobbin-turned supports date from the mid-19th century. less...