Discussion - French Design

The first blog I looked at was John's. He posted about French Renaissance style. I enjoyed reading about his findings about the chateau.

Here's his post: http://www.history1jpe.blogspot.com/2014/04/french-renaissance.html

 I also looked into Flor's blog post which was also on French Renaissance design. She focused on how politics really controlled the arts and designs of the time, and how kings and rulers lived in castles.

Check out her post here: http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/2014/04/french-renaissance-neoclassic.html

French Rococo Style

   This new style began in the early 18th century in Paris, France. It was a movement away from the stern and symmetrical Baroque designs toward more fluidity and gracefulness. This new movement was mostly headed by women with power, such as King Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. She was highly involved in the new flourishing arts of France. Her time was spent amassing personal furniture and creating growth within the porcelain industry in Serves. The time of Louis's reign is said to be the pinnacle of French architecture and interior design.  

Madame de Pompadour

Major Style Characteristics

        This new style was breaking away from the straight lines and guided rules of the Baroque period. Rococo style was enraptured in feminine qualities and curved, natural lines. Lighter colors and pastels were most common, along with gilding in gold and white. Ornamentation from previous times was still popular, however, in a more subtle and elegant way. The name Rococo is said to be derived from French terms rocaille (stone) and coquilles (shell) due to the use of these in many motifs of the time.  

Interior Architecture

          Rooms were built in rounded shapes with tall and elongated walls and windows. Although more subdued, the ornamentation within interiors still included intricate mirrors, light fixtures, and some wall details.  

Furniture

    Furniture layout was still similar to the Baroque in which the pieces were lined against the perimeter of rooms.

French Rococo as seen Toady