Reflect on France’s King Louis XV
There has never been a monarch more keenly focused on art and design than France’s King Louis XIV, the Sun King. As he took the throne at age 5 for 72 years, his impact was felt in almost every aspect of daily life.
His most ambitious project was the transformation of a hunting lodge into the Palace of Versailles. There, he had at his disposal the very best artist and craftsmen from France, Italy and Germany to help him create the perfect formal background for his absolute rule.
All surfaces were to shine and show off his commanding authority, especially at night under the flickering of candlelight, a genuine spectacle. The Hall of Mirrors, entire suites of solid sterling furniture and gilding were his signature trademark. The architecture with the enfilade of doorways and suites had a formality and rigidity, similarly emulated in the furniture of the Louis XIV period (1660-1720).
The furniture style from this period was throne-like and over the top with intricate floral carvings, copious amounts of inlaid woods and ornate gilded bronze fitting known as ormolu. All details, including sunbursts, were to highlight the power of his Royal Highness.
Politically, Louis XV’s reign was not about absolute power, and he was seen by many as a benevolent monarch, but a weak one. The furniture during this period saw a softening of lines akin to the Rococo style very popular in Germany and Austria.
From this period, the well-known upholstered chair known as a Bergere emerged. With a slightly pitched back and a wider seat, the bergere was a less formal chair in which one could relax. Louis XV furniture (1700-1750) donned cabriolet or “s” curved legs and was decorated with scrolls and shells. Bergeres have been a favorite of decorators to pair in seating arrangements, because they are quite comfortable and can mix with a variety of styles.
Louis XVI was the last of the French monarchs. The first part of his reign was known as a period of enlightenment with the abolition of serfdom, dis- pleasing the nobility. No amount of reforms could keep the French content and King Louis XV from a death by guillotine. Louis XVI furniture (1750-1800) favored Neoclassicism. Simple architectural lines were implemented in furniture design, and produced some of the most influential pieces of furniture namely the Louis XVI chair.
Surely you’ve seen these chairs in fancy restaurants, ballrooms, condo lobbies and perhaps even in the dining room in your home.
These formal upright chairs have been used forever as a chair for short-term use. Their clean architectural lines make them fit in even in today’s decor.
The design incorporates an exposed woodframed, rounded or square backrest, with a pillowed bottom seat and column-like legs, sometimes fluted sometimes not. The chair style is fascinating because of its enduring simplicity and elegance. Numerous furniture styles have explored this classic design, and it has been produced in almost every kind of material from plastic to iron to plexiglass.