Neoclassical
Very popular during the second half of the 18th century, Neoclassicism was a real reaction against the Rococo style and seemed to be linked to a renewed interest in ancient Greece and Rome.
Furniture makers were inspired not only by the rectilinear shapes of Classical architecture, but also by it's decorative details, such as the Greek key and Vitruvian scrolls.
Applied ornament, often gilded, took the form of Laurel swags, urns and medallions.
Gustavian
The Gustavian style of furniture was a restrained version of French Neoclassicism which was unique to Sweden during the reign of Gustav III (1746-1792).
Characterized by light colours and rich silk damasks, it was based on Neoclassical elements, such as friezes, fluting, and laurel festoons, but the furniture was painted rather than being gilded.
Klismos-style chairs unholstered in silk and oval-backed chairs with straight, fluted legs were typical.
Entire rooms were decorated in the Gustavian style and often had panelled walls embellished with tall giltwood-framed mirrors.
Federal Style
Taking it's name from the creation of the Federal constitution in 1787, the Federal style was as American form of Neoclassicism, based primarily on British forms. Furniture and fitted furniture was predominantly made of Mahogany and was light in style, with a sparing use of ornament.
Typical motifs included the American eagle, carved scrolls, bellflowers, swags and shells.
Late Federal pieces began to reflect the influence of Empire style, with applied ormolu mounts and brass banding.
Tomorrow is part 5 - we look at Empire, Biedermeier, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modernism.
No comments:
Post a Comment