French Period - Regency, Rococo, Neoclassical



 Summary: 

    This week, the focus will be on the French period of Regency, Rococo, and Neoclassical Styles. This took place between the years 1700-1789. For a brief overview, the Regency style was first and is known as a "transition" period with a lot of simplification of colors and materials. The Rococo style that followed eliminated classical order and pushed for smaller curves in design. The Neoclassical period can be classified as a revival of classical architectural orders, focusing on straight lines. The video below goes into more detail about the fundamentals of Neoclassical architecture. 



Designs and Current Applications: 

    One piece form this French period that sticks out is the Neoclassical China. It was first created for Vincennes and later moved to the Sevres national factory by King Louis XV. All together, the table service included 500 pieces. Plates, platters, wine coolers, cheese dishes, and more were included. They were patterned with ornamentation that referenced classical architectural orders and artistic pieces representing daily life and values. Pieces like this are still used today to depict artwork and ornamentation. They are high valued and used at formal events, such as weddings. 

Neoclassical China | France

Modern Day Example of Neoclassical China | Used at Formal Events 

    A piece of furniture from this time is the Bombe Commode with Ormolu mounts. This, and other pieces of furniture from this time, used Rococo elements of C scrolls, S scrolls, and scroll feet. This piece primarily uses wooden parquetry along with gold to create an intricate design. This concept is still used today in pieces of furniture like dressers. Designs are carved and crafted into the furniture and different types of hardware are adorned for ornamentation. 

Bombe Commode with Ormolu Mounts | Rococo Style | France


Modern Day Dresser | Depicts Wooden Parquetry and Golden Hardware

    Additionally, another piece of furniture is Louis XVI's table from the Neoclassical period. While the furniture structure stayed the same from previous styles, the ornamentation and materials changed. It was made of many types of wood such as oak, pine, and walnut that are stained. it includes African ebony and a gilt-bronze mount. This piece is highly ornamented, depicting the value of both the furniture and who it was made for. Pieces today still combine different valuable materials in a system to create a modern day-view on pieces like this. 

Louis XVI Table | Neoclassical Period | France


Modern Day Side Table | Includes Wood Veneers and Gold Ornamentation

One Step Further: 

    To continue, Ange-Jacques Gabriel was an architect during this time, and his work bridged the gap from Rococo to Neoclassical. He was born in Paris to a family with a long line of architects. Ange-Jacques Gabriel's pieces were very transitional and he is best known for his work on projects such as Place de la Concorde, Petite trianon, and an opera room at the Palace of Versailles. 

Place de la Concorde | Ange-Jacques Gabriel | France

Petite Trianon Staircase | Ange-Jacques Gabriel | France

Opera Room at Palace of Versailles | Ange-Jacques Gabriel | France

Conclusion: 

    To end, these styles had a large impact on French architecture and lifestyle. They began the change from Gothic and Renaissance design to what later became known as Neoclassical. The buildings form these times that still stand today are internationally recognized for their rich designs and intentionality. They continue to impact designs and architecture today. 

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