Week 11- The French Regency, Rococo, and Neoclassical Periods

 

What I Learned


This week we talked about the evolution of French Design from the Baroque and Rococo eras, along with the neoclassical period. The transition into these periods reflected not only a change in taste but also a change in french culture and society. The regency style was when the large baroque features turned into the lighter and dainty rococo style. Rococo emphasizes comfort and elegance using simple colors like white and gold. The rococo period was guided by Louis XV who used asymmetry and delicate carvings. By the 1760s, french design shifted yet again and designers began to favor more straight lines, symmetry, and classical motifs like laurel wreaths, urns, and fluted legs.



Favorite Examples


Hôtel de Soubise in Paris has an iconic rococo-style interior with mirrors and gold ornaments.






The Bergère Chair was a rococo comfort chair that was upholstered with curved arms and cabriole legs.







The Petite Trianon in versailles is a symmetrical neoclassical building that was designed for Marie Antoinette as her private retreat. 








Louis XVI furniture pieces had straight legs, fluted legs, and classical motifs. 




Bombe Commode with Ormolu Mounts has lavish curves and gilt bronze details. Rococo furniture piece.




Current Applications



Modern french regency revival Interiors have soft palettes of cream, gold and blush tones in modern salons and luxury hotels





Rococo Influence in decor uses curved furniture, carved mirrors, and pastel colors to inspire boutique-style design.





Neoclassical architecture in public buildings like the US supreme court and other government structures, museums, and courthouses uses symmetry and columned entries inspired by the Louis XVI style.



Custom furniture design is used today to replicate rococo carvings and neoclassical inlays for modern luxury clients.


Lighting and porcelain craftsmanship are used in modern chandeliers. This Sèvres style traces back to the 18th-century french design innovation.

One Step Further: Marie Antoinette and the Petite Trianon

Marie Antoinette had a very strong impact on french design. She had a retreat built for her called the petite trianon in Versailles. The retreat was designed by Ange-Jacques gabriel and it reflected her taste for elegance and simplicity. There were pale interiors, square rooms, and subtle classical ornaments. Marie Antoinette's design style became a symbol of grace and femininity. These influenced decorative arts and furniture for many generations!







Petite Trianon Exterior






Le Salon de Compagnie (main drawing room)




Marie Antoinette's Bedchamber



Gilded Iron Railing with Marie Antoinettes initials




Gardens of the petit trianon was designed for intimacy and harmony with nature.



Reflection


The french regency, rococo and neoclassical periods are a great example of how societies' values are reflected in design. The rococo focused on luxury and emotion, the neoclassicism reflected discipline and enlightenment, and french artistry balanced art with meaning and structure. It is so cool to see how the Petit Trianon still influences interiors today. 

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