7. Meet the French Royal Style: Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette became the first and only Queen of France when she married Louis XVI in 1770. When first arriving in Paris, she wanted to ride horses in the city. This caused protest from the courts as they feared for her safety. She compromised by riding a donkey instead. She was referred to as the Queen of Taste, as she often sported an intricate hairstyle that was decorated with unbelievable objects, such as a battleship replica of a French warship. She died at the guillotine during the French Revolution, where she was accused of being an Austrian spy and causing the French financial crisis with her lavish spending. Her last words were, “pardon me sir, I meant not to do it” after stepping on her executioner’s toes moments before being beheaded.
Furniture style
The bigger, the better. After becoming queen, Marie-Antoinette embraced her new nation’s passion for fashion. She favoured pastel colours, frills and lace and liked to highlight her neck with velvet ribbons, adorned with a flower or jewels. In 1778, a major conflict between France and Britain took place during which the Belle Poule, a French frigate, damaged a British ship badly. Paris was enflamed by the news. Marie-Antoinette even wore a battleship in full sails as a hair piece to commemorate this battle.
Marie Antoinette's taste favored romantic and whimsical designs. Similar to the Louis XVI style, the color palette in Marie Antoinette's interiors included soft pastel hues. Light blues, pinks, greens, and lavenders were commonly used to create a feminine and charming atmosphere.
Marie Antoinette popularized the use of elaborate canopy beds. These beds often featured ornate columns, draped fabrics, and intricate detailing, creating a sense of grandeur in the royal chambers. She incorporated personalized elements into her interiors. Monograms, initials, and symbols associated with her, such as the rose, were often integrated into the design of furniture and decorative objects.
The queen was known for her love of luxury items. Exquisite and rare materials, such as mother-of-pearl, porcelain, and marbles, were used to create unique and exceptional pieces.
Influence of Hameau de la Reine
The Hameau de la Reine, a rustic retreat built for Marie Antoinette, had a direct influence on the creation of furniture with a pastoral or rustic charm. Pieces inspired by rural life and nature became fashionable.
It's important to note that the term "Marie Antoinette Furniture style" is not a distinct design movement but rather a reflection of the evolving tastes and preferences of the queen during the later part of the 18th century.
