Louis XVI

The Louis XVI period of French decorative arts refers to a period in French history that coincided with the reign of Louis XVI from 1774 to 1792. This period was characterized by a shift away from the extravagance and ostentation of the preceding Rococo style, and towards a more restrained and refined aesthetic inspired by the classical forms of ancient Greece and Rome.

During the Louis XVI period, furniture and decorative objects were designed with a greater emphasis on symmetry, straight lines, and geometric shapes. This was achieved through the use of classical motifs such as columns, pediments, and urns, as well as the incorporation of naturalistic elements such as flowers and foliage.

In addition to furniture, other decorative arts such as porcelain, textiles, and metalwork also reflected the new aesthetic of the Louis XVI period. These objects often featured delicate ornamentation and fine details, executed with a high degree of craftsmanship.

Overall, this period of French decorative arts represented a departure from the opulence of the past and a move towards a more refined, classical style that would come to define the aesthetic of the late 18th century.