French Furniture Louis Styles

 

This document, "French_Furniture_Louis_Styles.pdf", describes characteristics of French furniture styles associated with Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, as well as Regence and Directoire styles.

Louis XIV (Reigned 1643-1715):

• Baroque style, heavy, ornate carvings and moldings, balanced design.
• Common ornaments: Cupids, shells, rams' heads, acanthus leaves.

Louis XV (Reigned 1715-1774):

• Rococo style, highly decorative, asymmetrical curves.
• Common ornaments: Cabriole legs, shells, floral wreaths, curled leaves, twisted scrolls.
• Examples include the Louis XV Fauteuil BR-A2002 (cabriole leg, serpentine lines) and Louis XV Bergère BR-A3004 (cabriole legs, delicate floral carvings).

Louis XVI (Reigned 1774-1793):

• Classical style.
• Common ornaments: Straight, turned, tapered, or fluted legs, Greek bands, classical wreaths, oak and laurel leaves.
• Examples include the Louis XVI Dining Arm Chair BR-A2024A (straight, fluted legs, classical architectural carving) and Louis XVI Bergère BR-A2007 (straight, fluted legs, simple, balanced classical carvings).

The document also defines two types of chairs:

• Fauteuil: An open armchair with an exposed wood frame (usually carved), upholstered seat, back, and arm pads.
• Bergère: An enclosed, upholstered French armchair with upholstered backs and arms, but an exposed wood frame. It has a fitted and tailored seat cushion and is deeper and wider than a fauteuil.

Additionally, it clarifies two styles that are "Not a LOUIS":

• Regence (Chair BR-A2000): Refers to the early period of Louis XV's reign, characterized by cabriole legs.
• Directoire (Fauteuil BR-A3007): Refers to the post-revolution years of 1795-1799. It features straight legs and balanced, architectural carvings, preceding Napoleon's Empire Style.