4. Meet the French Royal Style: Louis XV
Louis XV reigned from 1715 to 1774, becoming King at the age of 5, making him one of the youngest monarchs in French history. Louis XV was an enthusiastic amateur astronomer and very fond of architecture. His favourite animal was his white angora cat. He was a ladies’ man, although he was described being extremely shy. His most famous and influential mistress was Madame de Pompadour, who played a significant role in French politics and culture.
During his reign, he had many military set-backs. His attempts to modernise French politics came to nothing and caused him to continuously raise the taxes – to extreme dissatisfaction of the French people.
Despite political challenges, Louis XV continued the tradition of supporting arts and culture. His reign witnessed the flourishing of Rococo art and the promotion of intellectual salons.
Furniture style: Louis XV
Furniture reaches its golden age. The Louis XV style is deeply marked by the rococo aesthetics of asymmetry and exuberant S- and C-curves. Cabriole legs, with their distinctive S-shaped curves, are a hallmark feature. The use of curves imparts a sense of fluidity and grace to the pieces. Unlike the strict symmetry of earlier styles, Louis XV furniture embraces asymmetry, adding a sense of playfulness and informality.
Furniture pieces become smaller and more intimate (Boudoir furniture). Chairs and couches are designed for comfort and luxury with cushioning and upholstery that could be changed per season. Mirrors play with the perception of positive and negative space.
The color palette associated with Louis XV furniture is often light and pastel. Soft hues such as pale blues, greens, pinks, and creams are commonly used to complement the overall delicate aesthetic.
Furniture was heavily gilded and often incorporated exotic elements like Chinoiserie motifs or Japanese lacquer. Shell and rocaille (rockwork) motifs are prevalent in Louis XV furniture together with floral and foliage carvings. Marquetry, the art of inlaying different wood veneers to create intricate patterns and gilt bronze mounts, or ormolu, are extensively used to embellish Louis XV furniture.
The Louis XV style is considered a part of the broader Rococo movement, characterized by lavish ornamentation, asymmetry, and an emphasis on the ornate and whimsical.
