Juste-Aurèle Meissonier Archives

The Louis XV style was born from the lights of the Régence style focusing more on the movement of freedom in shapes.

french-18th-century-louis-xv-style-desk-after-the-model-by-bernard-ebeniste

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/645553da-51cf-4c05-9d66-304642b009f2 by AntiqueTaste

Where it all Began

Imagination is the starting point of this decorative style, in which rocks and shells, with flowers and foliage, provide the dominant motif. Taking the distance from classic styles, this period created an ornamental style that was completely new and original, the Rococò style. It is the greatest of all times for French furnishings, this was a period of unique creativity, and was influenced by the royal mistresses: Madame de Pompadour, Madame du Barry, and a few others. Grand suites changed in smaller more intimate spaces. Furniture became practical and was easy to move without losing any of its elegance.

Salon de Compagnie - Petit Trianon — Petit Trianon (Small Trianon) – 1762,1768- the reign of Louis XV – the Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France.

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/bb73a88a-cf27-4df9-9d45-3bd30c49e81c by Jorge Lascar

Le Jour ni l’Heure 2309 : Narbonne, palais des archevêques, salle à manger de Mgr de Dillon, console Louis XV, style rocaille, c. 1740, dimanche 28 septembre 2014, 13:17:55 — Louis XV, style rocaille, c. 1740

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/9c365c1f-d6de-445a-b35e-4e7054215950 by Renaud Camus

Furniture

New items appearedin this period. Dining tables, round or oval were used with a floor length tablecloth. In chair design, each feature looks like is flowing into the other without any feeling of separation. The molded chair frames are decorated with rich floral carvings. The most famous Louis XV chair is the bergère.

resplendent-and-delicate-french-louis-xv-style-gilt-ormolu-mounted-trellis-parquetry-dressing-table-coiffeuse-19th-century- — An exaple of furniture of this style.- gilt-ormolu-mounted-trellis-parquetry-dressing-table-coiffeuse-19th-century

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/5d5d8f9b-396a-46eb-a254-d2a0e0c385c3 by AntiqueTaste

Canapés (sofas) became increasingly appreciated. One form, often named marquise is, so to speak, an big armchair. The majority of canapés were made to be used by three persons. The basket-shaped canapé was one of the most requested. The duchesse, was a day bed distinguished by its gondola-shaped back. Dealing with beds, the “lit à colonnes” was not used anymore. “Lit à la polonaise” became the new fashion must.

a-magnificent-Italian-mid-19th-century-louis-xv-style-exuberantly-carved-aged-gilt-wood-console-and-mirror — 19th-century-louis-xv-style-exuberantly-carved-aged-gilt-wood-console-and-mirror

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/d6a4752f-e079-41d4-98b3-44fa898b960a by AntiqueTaste

All tables have cabriole legs. In all sizes, these tables are brilliant and versatile. For the bedrooms were employed tables such as the vide-poche. For the boudoirs and the salons, there were little work tables, called tricoteuses or chiffonnières.

french-louis-xv-style-gilt-ormolu-mounted-marquetry-and-quarter-veneer-inlaid-console-table (1) — french-louis-xv-style-gilt-ormolu-mounted-marquetry-and-quarter-veneer-inlaid-console-table

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/17bb4626-240c-4be4-a083-6aa78ff02f10 by AntiqueTaste

Painting

The most important subjects of this painting were mythology and history, the same of Louis XIV style. When Louis started the construction of new apartments within the palaces of Versailles and Fontaimbleau, his tastes changed to pastoral scenes painting. The favourite artist of the King was Boucher. He produced for the King art of every kind from religious paintings to landscapes and exotic scenes.