MOBILIÁRIO ROCOCÓ | Regência, Luís XV, Queen Ann e Georgiano Primitivo | História do Mobiliário

Summary

In this video, Professor Julian Coimbra explores the evolution of 18th-century furniture, focusing on the Rococo style. Beginning with the Regence period, the script highlights how furniture design shifted towards greater comfort and practicality, exemplified by pieces like the commode and the 'bureau-flatte.' The Rococo era, influenced by the reign of Louis XV, saw extravagant and curvaceous designs, emphasizing comfort with soft cushioning and ornamental details. The video also compares French furniture styles with German and English influences, exploring the cultural and material shifts of the time. The discussion concludes with a teaser for future content on the evolution of design beyond Rococo.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rococo furniture emerged in the 18th century, marked by luxury, comfort, and an emphasis on a high quality of life.
• 😀 Rococo was a shift from Baroque, characterized by less symmetry, fluid, curved forms, and a focus on practical comfort in furniture.
• 😀 The French court played a central role in the Rococo style, influencing European countries but with distinct regional variations.
• 😀 The 'cômoda' (chest of drawers) became an iconic piece of furniture, with elaborate decorations and a focus on functionality.
• 😀 The 'canapé' (sofa) evolved into a comfortable three-seat sofa with replaceable cushions for seasonal comfort.
• 😀 The 'poltrona' (armchair) featured padded, upholstered sides for better comfort, reflecting Rococo's attention to practicality.
• 😀 Rococo furniture had asymmetrical decorative elements, like uneven drawer handles and curved facades, contrasting with Baroque’s strict symmetry.
• 😀 The Regency period (after Louis XIV’s death) saw a shift to more practical and comfortable furniture, like the 'cômoda em tombo'.
• 😀 Germany's Rococo furniture, especially by David Regina, was known for meticulous craftsmanship and the use of rich materials like ebony.
• 😀 England’s Rococo furniture was simpler and more functional, with less ornamentation and the adoption of curved legs and ball-and-claw feet from Chinese influence.

Q & A

What is the Rococo style, and how is it different from Baroque?

The Rococo style, which emerged in the 18th century, is characterized by luxury, exuberance, and a focus on comfort, contrasting with Baroque, which was already luxurious but more rigid and formal in its design. Rococo furniture emphasizes comfort and practical use, with less focus on strict symmetry and more on ornate details and flowing, soft forms.

How did the death of Louis XIV influence the furniture design of the time?

After the death of Louis XIV, his young heir, who was too young to rule, had a regent temporarily take over. This period, known as the 'Regency' style, saw the emergence of furniture that prioritized comfort and practicality, such as the development of the 'commode,' a chest of drawers designed for everyday use.

What is the 'regency' style, and how did it impact furniture design?

The Regency style refers to the period after the death of Louis XIV when a regent ruled in place of the young king. This era marked a transition toward furniture that was more focused on comfort and practicality, with examples such as the 'commode,' which featured practical and elegant designs with marquetry and fine details.

What is the significance of the 'commode' in Rococo furniture?

The 'commode' is an iconic piece of Rococo furniture, especially during the Regency period. It featured a functional design with drawers for daily use, and it often incorporated decorative elements like marquetry, intricate carvings, and marble tops, reflecting the Rococo style's focus on both beauty and practicality.

How did Rococo furniture prioritize comfort, and can you give an example?

Rococo furniture placed a high value on comfort, as seen in the design of chairs and sofas. For example, the 'canapé,' a three-seat sofa, was designed with a soft backrest and arms, upholstered for comfort. Additionally, furniture pieces like chairs and poltrones were padded extensively, with some including detachable cushions for added comfort.

What role did the French court play in the development of Rococo furniture?

The French court, particularly under Louis XV, played a central role in the development of Rococo furniture. The lavish lifestyle of the French nobility demanded more comfortable and ornate furniture, which led to innovations in design and craftsmanship, making France the leading nation in Rococo furniture production.

How did furniture design differ between France and England during the Rococo period?

While France led the Rococo style with luxurious and ornate designs, England took a different approach. English furniture during this period, particularly under Queen Anne, favored simpler, more functional designs with less ornamentation. English styles like 'Queen Anne' and later 'Georgian' were less extravagant compared to the French Rococo.

What are some notable furniture pieces from the Rococo period, and what were their characteristics?

Notable Rococo furniture pieces include the 'commode' with its curved fronts and decorative marquetry, the 'canapé' sofa with soft, upholstered seating, and chairs like the 'poltrona à la reine' and 'poltrona cabriolé,' which had distinctive curved legs and backrests designed for comfort.

Who was David Regna and what was his contribution to Rococo furniture?

David Regna was a prominent German furniture maker known for his exquisite Rococo pieces. Despite being German, he became highly regarded in France, with Queen Marie Antoinette and Empress Catherine II of Russia recognizing his craftsmanship. His work was known for its intricate detailing and luxurious materials.

How did the use of materials evolve in English furniture during the Rococo period?

In England, the use of materials evolved significantly during the Rococo period. Due to an embargo on French walnut wood, English furniture makers began using mahogany, a durable and richly colored wood sourced from the Caribbean. This material became a hallmark of English furniture during the Georgian period and influenced furniture design in England for years.