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History of Furniture
The document provides an extensive overview of early 18th century furniture design, particularly focusing on the Rococo style, which highlighted lavishness and a more feminine aesthetic. Key features include the evolution of cabriole legs, the use of ornate motifs like shells, marquetry, and the integration of Chinoiserie influences. It also details furniture styles from various countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Britain, showcasing the distinct characteristics and craftsmanship of the period.
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History of Furniture
- 1. SESSION: 2017-18 HISTORY OFFURNITURE (EARLY 18TH CENTURY) PRESENTED TO: AR.SHRASTI BALIYAN PRESENTED BY: AYUSH JAISWAL ROHIT BHATT SUKHLEEN KAUR B.ARCH 5TH SEM K.C.A.D. BAREILLY I N T E R I O R D E S I G N
- 2. HISTORYHISTORY In the early18th century , countries vied with each other to expand their empires and the aristrocracy emphasized its position with lavish displays of wealth and luxury. In the first half of the 18th century , furniture design was mailny influenced by France, and it was here that the ROCOCO style reached its height In this period, new types of rooms were designed both large and small like drawing rooms etc. Rococo design not just include the furniture to create an integrated interior. ROCOCO STYLE:- •Pieces of furniture were smaller, lighter, and more curvaceous in form than earlier styles, often with curved cabriole legs and pad or claw and ball feet. •Free standing tables no longer had cross strechers and pedestal legs were replaced by cabriole legs with a double s- curve
- 3. ELEMENTS OF STYLE:-ELEMENTSOF STYLE:- Early 18th century reflected a number of influences. Renaissance and Boroque motifs were still used, including shells,grotto features but they were lighter and more feminine and settings were often assymmetrical. CABRIOLE LEGS:- The evolution of legs marked a dramatic change between 17th and 18th century furniture. The cabriole was based on an animal’s hind legs, and may have originated from chinese designs. These legs were not usually supported by stretchers. The “knees” were often highly decorated on the finest pieces.
- 4. STAMPED LEATHER:- Fine leatherwas made in Spain and Portugal and exported throughout Europe. It was often embossed or stamped with patterns, and also decorated with paint or gift. Leather was used not only for upholstery but also for wall coverings, although this latter use became les popular in the 18th century. ESCUTCHEONS:- Decorative key hole surrounds often embrassed fashionable styles this gilt metal cast plate was designed as an asymmetrical piece of foliage with an s curve on the base. Tiny gilt brass pins attache the plate to the case
- 5. SHELL MOTIF:- The shellwas used as early as the renaissance , and represented, venus and love. During the rococo period , shell motifs were used on tables, case furnitures , chairs and mirror frames. Rococo shells used curves to represent movement. This Italian shell curves under the sideways, and has incised gilding to add a sense of movement. CLAW AND BALL FEET:- The carved foot was usually the terminus for a cabroile leg. The design may be derived from the chinese motif of a dragon’s claw clasping a pearl. Early pieces tended to have wide spaced claws, revealing much of the ball beneath , but on later pieces the ball was almost entirely hidden by the foot.
- 6. ORMOLU MOUNTS:- Mounts madeof cast bronze, with a fire- gilt finish were integral to formal frnech furniture , originally designed to protect veneer, mounts were also decorative. The mounts were fixed in place with pins . Craftsman used the classical palladium and rococo motifs of the time as well as traditional motifs, such as this Renaissance masque. FLORAL MARQUETRY:- Elaborate pictorial designs in wood inlays were used as a decorate feature of furniture throughout the 18th century , although English cabinet-makers discarded marquetry in favour of carved ornament around 1730. The floral Motif , derived from Dutch and Flemish painting remained popular in europeon furniture thorughout the period
- 7. MYTHOLOGICAL FIGURES:- Mythological figures,such as this putto, decorated all sorts of furniture , and sometimes referred to a specific place. Cabinet makers in Naples, for instance, used the symbol of Neptune in their work , which referred to their city. Cherubs and putti reflected the incrasingly feminine influence on furniture design. CHAIR SPLAT:- The back splat of a chair is a good indicator of the chair’s date and country of origin. A solid splat , as shown in example , generally indicates a date between 1720 and 1740; the carved embellishments and Rosettes suggest that this chair is closer to the latter date. Pierced splats appeared latter when , generally , the back became square in shape .
- 8. NEEDLEWORKS:- Thomos Chippandale statedthat the backs and seats of his french design chairs “must be covered with tapestry or other sort of needle work”. French needle work was more formal than English deisgns. In England, pastoral scenes in gross point or petit point were popular unlike other needle work , tapestry was created on a loom. CHINOISERIE:- Trade with the orient provided numerous design and technique suitable for furnishings- known as Chinoiserie. Oriental figures and scenes adorned everything from porcelain to carved mirrors. While japanning, the Europeon version of oriental lacquer was popular throughout the century. This scene is one of many similar panels on a rare, white- japanned, English bureau bookcase.
- 9. CARVED WOOD:- Softer woodssuch as pine,lime wood were easier to carve then oak so were particularly suited to the elaborately curved design of the 18th century. These soft woods were covered in gesso and gilt. The carving under this layer give greater definition. TRIPOD TABLE BASE:- Cabinet makers combined elements of different styles to great effects during the 18th century. The central upright finial combines an acanthus plant base with a pine cone top. The tripod support is fashioned from elongated c scroll terminating in carve foliage – elements deifining Rococo. A fluited column serves as a supprt for the table.
- 10. FRANCE : THEREGENCE(1715-1723) • When LOUIS XIV died in 1715 he left the throne ro his young great- grandson, the future LOUIS XV, who was not leagally permitted to become king for another eight years. Therefore, PHILLIPE, duc d'Orleans, was appointed Regent from 1715 to 1723, a period known as Regane. • Rooms remained furnished, with most of the furniture arranged symmetrically around the walls. • Instead of having straight legs tables, cupboards and chairs were now slightly curved and thin bronze inlays were used to frame. COMMODE:- It is made from walnut, veneered in exotic woods, and inlaid with ivory. Detailed floral and foliage pattern , stands on short cambered legs.
- 11. 2.Cherry wood, threedrawer commode, the shaped sides and apron of the case are carved with foliage and rocailles. The escutcheons and drawer pulls are made of brass, and the locks are symmetrical in design. CONSOLE TABLE:- Top resting on a gilded openwork apron, carved with a central mask, flowers, and leaves. The four cambered scrolls supports are joined by a carved cross stretcher. PAINTED COMMODE CHAIR:- This chair is made up of beech and has a cane seat and back, curved arms and gently sweeping legs.The whole piece is painted and has a floral decoation in relief on the front
- 12. FRANCE Louis XV:- LADIESWRITTING TABLE:- This ladies writting table was made for louis xv mistress. It is made up of oak and veneer with various types of wood and decorated with gilt bronze mounts.The top displace patterns reflecting mistress love for the art including a vase of flower As well as designs representing architecture ,painting ,music and gardening.when the top slides back to reveal the workings of the writting table the surface area is almost doubled. MARQUETRY BUREAU:- This table is made up of tulip wood it has 3 drawers with ormolu(ground gold) handles And c scroll escutcehnos.
- 13. ITALY:- ITALY ROCOCO:- Italian Rococofurniture was mainly influenced by french regence and louis XV style but it was embellished with decoratives lacquerwork colorful paint work and extra begant carved details. Italian chairs were often inspired by the french Fauteuil but had higher fan shaped backs which were highly carved. SICILIAN COMMODE:- This painted commode with its two drawers curved sides and shaped legs reflects the cabinet makers knowledge of french fashion. Paint is also used to simulate an expensive marble top.
- 14. CARVED CONSOLE:- This consolehas only two legs as its back would be attached directly two the wall it is made up of carved and gilded line wood its features are grotesque mask flanked by scrolling foilage but the carving on this table is less ponderous BUREAU:- It is inspired by an english knee hole desk, but its slope and upper drawer overlap the small drawers it has wider shorter bracket feet, and its geometric veneer is more flamboyant.
- 15. PIETRO PIFFETTI (Thefinest Italian table maker of 18th century):- Italian Cabinet maker of the 18th century. His work is renowned for detail and quality his furniture include high marquetry work in exotic woods and precious materials like pearl and ivory. CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH BOOK SHELVES:- This imposing piece is decorated with piffetti’s characteristics marquetry in ivory and mother of pearl. The scenes are based on engravings of the seige of Troy. SERPENTILE COMMODE:- Scrolling foliate arabesques in mother of pearl and ivory inlay. It has gilt bronze handles and escutstchuns.
- 16. BUREAU CABINET:- This extravagantbureau- cabinet made in Rome for Pope Pius VI is decorated with Japanning, lacquerwork, snd gilding. The figures of the top represents four seasons. The canted corners and sides were termianted in scrolled acanthus and carved feet. The slope opened to reveal pigeonholes and drawers.
- 17. ITALY VENICEFURNITURE STYLE:- •Much venetianfurniture was bright, painted or decorated with lacquer, silver or gilt and ornately carved. •Venice design was the embodiment of the effusive Rococo style. •Carving was lighter and more delicate. •Cabriole legs were often decorated with Rococo carving. •Lacquerwork was highly popular in Venice. They incorporated floral motifs, often with foliage. It often took 20 layers of varnish to complete the lacquer process. Although the outsides of pieces were effusively decorated, the interiors were often relatively plain. Light colours were popular for lacquer, especially yellow, golden and blue.
- 18. VENETIAN COMMODE:- This venetiantwo drawer, black- liquored commode is inspired by Louis XV styles, but is wider and bulkier than French examples. There are two long drawers and the drawer division is emphasized by gilded moulding. It lacks ormolu mounts. CORNER CUPBOARD:- This cupboard is decorated all over with sprays of flowers and scrolling foliage on a light blue green background and carved with stylized shells and rocaille. The cupboard door depicts an oriental figure, but the interior is plain. The piece terminates in five short cabriole legs.
- 19. GILDED PIER TABLE:- Thispine table is gilded and silvered. The table has an interlaced stretcher with a central carved cartouche, and the legs terminate in stylized hoof feet. UPHOLSTERED ARMCHAIR:- This armchair is made in the style of French design but the cartouche shaped back is wider and higher. The frame of the back is moulded and the central cartouche more exaggerated. The frame is carved, scrolled legs and pierced seat rail illustrate the Rococo love of fluid curves and movement.
- 20. ROCOCO INTERIOR:- •Pale bluishgreen walls enhance the feeling of delicacy and light and provide a perfect backdrop to extensive silver stucco decoration. •Rococo motifs, naturalistics birds, scrolling leaves. •Expensive pannelled mirrors.
- 21. SPAIN AND PORTUGAL:- Althoughinspired from France, Italy but they used the high density woods. GILT LEATHER:- It is often called “SPANISH LEATHER”. Used for wall hamgings and chair covers.It was particularly useful in hall chairs as it was easy to clean. Punched with patterns so that to create a raised patterns on a leather. Patterns then painted in different colours. Gilt leather was originally an Islamic technique ans is often called “Spanish Leather” on account of its origin. “Spanish Leather” is embossed or punched with patterns, painted, and gilded.
- 22. SPANISH CONSOLE TABLE:- Theseare carved, gilded and silvered. It has a faux marble top, above a carved frieze decorated with rocaille and foilage and a cartouche at its centre. Carved carboile legs joined by a cross stretcher. Scroll feet PORTUGESE TABLE:- The end drawer has a brass lock and drawer pulles above a carved apron. Table stands on six slender cabriole legs.
- 23. PORTUGESE CONSOLE TABLE:- Marbletop above the serpentine frieze. Corners are carved with shells. Stand on cabriole legs. Legs terminates in claw and ball feet. PORTUGESE COMMODE:- Arrangement of three drawers mounted above shaped feet with imported ormolu mounts. This fine piece would have been made for a very wealthy client.
- 24. SCANDINAVIA:- SWEDISH GILT TABLE:- •Topis of marble. •Table is heavily carved with half human and half bird figures. •Scroll feet. •Lions head at centre. •Stylized shell motif. •Highly expensive. DANISH WALNUT CABINET ON CHEST:- With gilt fretwork on top of the cornice. Rests on scroll feet. The carved and gilt-mirrored door gives the illusion of an actual mirror hanging on a wall. Lower case has three drawers.
- 25. • Cupboards, chairsdressing table all were less carved. • Chairs have shorter legs. • Scroll or bracket feet.
- 26. BRITAIN : QUEENANNE AND GEORGE 1 The main changes to furniture during the reign of queen ANNE (1702-14) was the increased use of walnut veneered oak for less expensive pieces. The cabriole leg another dramatic development of the early 18th century was introduced to Britain during this time. The Dutch style chair with a rounded back, solid vase shaped splat and cabriole legs with pad feet is widely known as QUEEN ANNE CHAIR Ornamentation is minimal, in contrast to earlier 17th-century and William and Mary styles, which prominently featured inlay, figured veneers, paint, and carving. The cabriole leg is the "most recognizable element" of Queen Anne furniture. Cabriole legs were influenced by the designs of the French cabinetmaker André- Charles Boulle and the Rococo style from the French court of Louis XV But the intricate ornamentation of post-Restoration furniture was abandoned in favour more conservative designs, possibly under the influence of the simple and elegant lines of imported Chinese furniture
- 27. GEORGE KNEEHOLE DESK:- •Thetop of this walnut dressing table/writing desk is decorated with crossbanded veneer and the long drawer at the top of the desk is featherbanded. •Six smaller drawers flank the central kneehole, which has both a frieze drawer and a cupboard drawer. •Dimensions • Height 76.25 cm • Width 80.00 cm • Depth 51.50 cm
- 28. ENGLISH BENCH:- •Architect: Williamfitcroft •It was made to enhance a grand hall •The scallop shell above the centre panel •Relates to the shaped aprons alos decorated with carved scallop shells which was the popular motif of that time •Height: 108cm •Width:185cm •Depth : 59cm
- 29. MAHOGONY COMMODE:- This commodeis architecturally inspired the pillasters on the sides and the front are headed with lion’s mastic with bodies of carved fish scales and acanthus. It was made in 1730. Height: 81 cm Width: 109cm Depth 51 cm GILTWOOD CONSOLE TABLE:- The carved gilded eagle and the heavy Marble top are architecturally inspired The table is attributed to william kent and is typical of its style. Height :89.5cm Width:78cm Depth:48cm
- 30. NEW FORMS:- During the18th century, the desire for a more relaxed and informal life became increasingly important amongst the wealthy and leisured class creating a demand for new types of furniture. GEORGE II GAMES TABLE:- •Made of mahogany, this table has four legs, one of which swings back to provide support fot the leaves. •Inside the triple hinged top backgammon and other games were provided. KETTLE STAND:- •Made of mahogany, this table has a solid gallery to stop the kettle from sliding off, and a column on top of a tripod base. •The column is fluted and spirally turned, and the feet terminate in claw- and-ball feet.
- 31. CHINESE GAMES TABLE:- •Therare Padouk table from Canton has a square top made in two pieces, which are hinged so that they open out. •Support for the extended top is supplied by lopers concealed in the apron. •The interior contains several games. The cabriole legs have carved knees and terminate on claw-and-ball feet.
- 32. GEORGE II DRAWINGTABLE:- •When closed, this mahogany table looks like an ordinary card table. •However, the double fold-over top opens to reveal a surface for cards as well as a drawing or writing slope with two drawers below and tray for writing utensils. •The piece has square, chamfered legs, which were introduced around this time.
- 33. ENGLISH SETTEE:- •The back-splatdesign for this mahogany settee is based on two chair backs. •The seat is upholstred in a flamestitch pattern and the piece terminates in cabriole legs and claw- and-ball feet. FRENCH CANAPE:- •This Louis XIV tapestry-covered walnut canape is part of a suite. •The piece has eight cabriole legs that are carved at the knees with shells and foliage.
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