French Renaissance Pt. 2

The French Renaissance (Pt. 2)

By: Ruth Ramos

French design went through several phases, including the Regency (1700-1730), the Rococo (1730-1760), and the Neoclassical styles (1760-1789). The Regency period emerged from moving away from the complex Baroque style to more simple and lighter designs. The color palette during this time consisted of white and gold. Furniture and seating were often placed at the center of rooms. The Rococo era took place during the reign of Louis XV and was known for its playful and decorative styles that included curves, asymmetry, and Eastern art influences, a style popular in both royal palaces and the countryside.

Neoclassical architecture was inspired by ancient Rome and discoveries like Pompeii. This design style mainly used straight lines, symmetry, and reduced decorations. An example is the Petite Trianon (second picture below), using pale colors, classical details, and balanced layouts. 

Fun fact!

The Petite Trianon was originally built for Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. After she passed away, it was handed over to Madame du Barry. But when Louis XVI became king, he gave the Petite Trianon to his queen, Marie Antoinette. She turned it into her personal retreat, escaping the pressures of royal life. There, she created a little farm, living like a countrywoman—at least for a little while.

Petite Trianon

Neoclassical furniture followed the same style as the architecture, using straight, tapered legs, classical motifs, and materials like mahogany and gilded finishes. Decorative items, such as Sevres porcelain, matched the simple, elegant look. The shift from Rococo to Neoclassicism often reflected changes in society, from Louis XV's extravagant lifestyle to the troubles of Louis XVI's reign and the French Revolution. Despite the chaos, Neoclassical design left a lasting impact.

       Furniture:

ARCHITECTURE FROM THIS TIME:

    

ONE STEP FURTHER

Henri Labrouste (1801–1875) 

Labrouste was a French architect recognized as a pioneer for combining classical traditions with the innovative use of modern materials, such as iron. He gained prominence for designing libraries, including the Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve and the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, celebrated for their elegant yet functional iron structures and open layouts. Labrouste emphasized light, accessibility, and structural clarity, blending aesthetics with practicality.

Bibliothèque Sainte-Genevieve

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Extra Links:

Petite Trainon (6 mins)

Chateau De Lune (4 mins)