A Comparative Analysis of 18th Century French and English Chairs (Research Paper Sample)

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A Comparative Analysis of 18th Century French and English Chairs
Some of the most alluring and refined furniture ever made, exhibiting the highest level of artistic and technical ability was created in the 18th century across both France and England. The French intellectuals developed a fondness for salon- gatherings to discuss art, literature, and politics hence French furniture designers were asked to device new, more comfortable ways to sit. After the social and political unrest of industrialization, there was mass production of French furniture that relished the affluence of baroque, rococo and neo classical styles. These were heavily inspired by the reigns of kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. Elsewhere in England, 18th century brought prosperity of unprecedented scale that led to a huge increase in the production of furniture with a distinctive English style. These styles are the Queen Anne style, Sheraton style and Chippendale style CITATION Har01 \l 1033 (Harwood, May and Sherman).
French style chairs
The French chairs during this time were characterized by different leg styles. During King Louis 14th reign, French cabinet maker André chalets Boulle created revolutionary furniture that had legs which were figural, baluster and claw. Also, Louis 15th chairs retained the same leg formation of figural, baluster and claw. Furthermore, the Louis 15th rococo style chairs had a signature ‘S’ shaped cabriole leg, shaped like an animals hind legs. The chairs during King Louis the 16th however had straight fluted legs CITATION Ste98 \l 1033 (Stevens).
Meanwhile, the primary construction material that was used in Louis 14th chairs during the baroque period was wood from chestnut, walnut or oak. These were sometimes left natural or were painted bright colors such as red, green or coated silver and even gilded. In addition, precious woods and ebony were imported into Paris to be used as construction materials while pear and natural woods were used in the provinces. The finish often consisted of various metal and animal materials such as pewter and silver, along with tortoise- shell, horn and ivory CITATION Cla06 \l 1033 (Clauston).
Louis 15th rococo style chairs also used some of the material found in Louis 14th chairs including wood crafted from oak or walnut. In addition to oak and walnut, cherry, ash, plum, chestnut and olive were also used. Louis 16th neoclassical chairs used walnut, ash and burled. Other construction materials used include steel, copper and bronze CITATION Cla06 \l 1033 (Clauston).
The posture and form of the 18th century French chairs was varied. During the era of Louis 14th, the chairs had modest curves and straight lines were prominent CITATION Ste98 \l 1033 (Stevens). Elaborate ornamentation reigned supreme. Moreover, armchairs looked like thrones, with heavy carvings and rich upholstery. The seats were larger and their backs were higher while the sides of the upholstered armchair was open.
Chairs during Louis 15th rococo were smaller and spring was added to satisfy the salon society that was yearning for comfort. Also, these chairs were sturdy and solid but had flowers that were a popular motif, carved into crest rails, aprons and the knees of chair legs.
Meanwhile, Louis 16th Neoclassic style chairs are characterized by broad backs and seats, and straight, tapered legs. The back, seats and arms are upholstered, and all the rails are lavishly carved, gilded and decorated. Louis 16th side chairs and dining chairs are armless and feature both oval and rectilinear frames. Some are tub-shaped, with a curved back CITATION Cla06 \l 1033 (Clauston).
English style chairs
The English chairs using the Queen Anne style have the cabriole leg. It is curved with the knee curving outwards and the ankle curving inwards terminating in an ornamental foot. At the base of Queen Anne style chairs legs is the pad foot, although spade and trifid feet were also used.
Similarly, the Chippendale style legs have the cabriole leg. Moreover, fluted legs that were classically styled and reeded were often used.
In contrast to the popular cabriole legs of earlier styles, the Sheraton style chairs have straight, sometimes tapered legs. Occasionally, the back legs would be splayed. Also, the Sheraton style legs are often rounded while the Hepplewhite are square in shape. Both Sheraton and Hepplewhite sometimes had legs joined with stretchers.
Queen Anne style chairs have bird silhouettes in the negative space of the back splat. Also, it has decorated back splats that include either fiddle or vase splats. The Chippendale style chairs have a yoked shape with the back splats on arm and side chairs intricately pierced. However, some Chippendale chairs have less ornate splats. The Sheraton style chairs mainly exhibits a lyre-carved back splat CITATION Har01 \l 1033 (Harwood, May and Sherman).
The crest and back shape of the 18th century English chairs is diverse. Queen Anne style chairs have a cyma curve, which is a continuous S-curve that dominates all aspects of the chair. In addition, Queen Anne style chairs have bended backs that are thought to be inspired by the Chinese yoke chair. Other elements found in the Queen Anne style chair is the decorated carved motifs that consist of shells, sunbursts and acanthus leaves CITATION Har01 \l 1033 (Harwood, May and Sherman).
On the other hand, the Chippendale style chairs features top railings that have a yoked shape. Shell motifs carrying over from the Queen Anne period may be present. In the Sheraton style chairs, pieces have simple but strong, well-proportioned geometric shapes that are usually rectangular or square CITATION Cla06 \l 1033 (Clauston). The backs are square shaped and the arms of the chair flow cleanly into the back without any noticeable break. Some other Sheraton style chairs have exposed arms and reeded legs.
The construction materials used in the Queen Anne style chairs was primarily wood. The pieces mainly were crafted of walnut. In addition to walnut, cherry and maple were used as well. Mahogany that was imported became a popular material for craftsmen that were working in this style CITATION Ste98 \l 1033 (Stevens). Upholstery was used much more often and it consisted of silk damask, wool, and moreen, often including elabo...