The Louis XIV period

17th century (1643 – 1715)

The splendour and authority of the “Sun King” pervade this majestic, rigorous style, which harks back to Roman grandeur.

This style is recognised by its balance, its taste for symmetry and, at times, a certain heaviness born of excessive luxury and ornament. The painter Le Brun, appointed to furnish Versailles, also imposed his rules on the woodworking craftsmen.

Quickly imitated throughout Europe, it nevertheless gained little foothold in our regions, which merely borrowed a few of its characteristic elements.

Distinctive features

The era

Materials — Walnut, chestnut, oak. In our regions, in addition: cherry and conifers. Giltwood, veneers of metal, wood, ivory, tortoiseshell, marble and bronze.

New furniture — The commode, the console, the claw-foot armchair, the eight-legged desk (known as the Mazarin desk), the games table, the low cabinet (credence), the folding stool.

Renowned makers — André-Charles Boulle, Pierre Gole, Jean Macé, Laurent Stabre.

Special features — Richness of ornament: gold, pewter, copper, silver, precious woods. Marquetry, carving, bronzes, the “gendarme’s hat” crest, X-shaped stretchers.

Notable figures of the period — Boileau, Colbert, Corneille, Couperin, Descartes, La Fontaine, Le Brun, Lully, Molière, Racine.