Louis XIV handmade furniture was an expression of the wealth and power of the king, and lavish materials were used, such as exotic woods, silver and gilt, pietra dura panels, imported lacquer, and Boulle marquetry.
Motifs drew on Renaissance decoration, including mythological creatures, grotesques, arabesques, and flora and fauna.
Etiquette changed and comfort became more important. Chair backs were lower and most seats had a wooden frame with leather or cloth upholstery fixed in place with brass-headed nails. The fauteuil, an armchair with open sides, became popular, as did the canape or couch. The arms and legs of chairs incorporated more carved detail than previously, displaying the carvers skills and showing that he was familiar with the latest designs.
Guests were received in the bedroom. The finest beds had a plume of feathers, known as panache, at each corner, and a balustrade separated the occupant from the visitors. Louis XIV's bed was raised on a dais.
Towards the end of the century, the buffet, a two-tiered cupboard with four doors, two above and two below, evolved into the armoire, which had two tall doors. The chest, or coffer, was replaced by the commode, a case piece on short legs with either doors (two) or drawers, which became more formal towards the end of the century.
This panel depicts Louis XIV in his formal bedroom receiving visitors, according to the etiquette of the time. Note the state bed and the sumptuous surroundings. c.1670
The console table was very popular and was generally heavily gilded. It was decorated on three sides, but not at the back, as the table was usually placed against a wall, like fitted furniture.
Smaller tables, often made of fruitwood, were often painted. Their uses varied - some of them held candlesticks or writing paper, others were used as informal dining tables.
Bureau Plat
This bureau plat, designed by Andre-Charles Boulle for the Palace of versailles, is decorated with fine marquetry in tortoiseshell, bronze, and ebony and has three shallow drawers. There are elaborate ormolu mounts of women's busts at the four corners of the desk and the legs terminate in lion's paws. c.1708
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