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Antique Rococo Furniture
Rococo is an artistic style from the 18th-century that is characterized by lightness, delicacy, and elaborate ornamentation. The exact origins are not known, but it may have begun with French designer Pierre Lepautre. The term "rococo" comes from the two French words "roc" and "coquille" - which when translated into English literally mean "rock cockle". In the Louis Quinze period, rocks, shells, and flowing foliage were predominantly carved into a variety of shapes, to form the rococo style of ornamentation.
The intricate and delicate styles of the Rococo style are best presented on a smaller scale, and therefore the Rococo style was most often found indoors. Metalwork, paintings, and most importantly furniture, are some of the main pieces that reflect the fashionable Rococo style.
The Rococo Style
Antique furniture collectors should already be familiar with the popular Rococo style of furniture. The furniture style of Victorian Rococo, also referred to as Victorian Louis XV or Louis Quinze, gained much popularity in England during the 1840s.The Rococo style, which was found in many items other than furniture, such as art, paintings, and architecture, began in France in the 1700's and spread across Europe. The style was originally known as "French Style" and did not gain popularity in England during its early years. But the style was adapted and refined by Thomas Chippendale for furniture and brought about a change of design in English furniture.
The style was not only appealing to the eyes, but also comfortable. Some characteristics of the style found in furniture included cartouche backs with scrolled rounded contours, curved legs, and carvings of flowers, leaves, grapes and birds. Natural carvings are a main feature of the Rococo style.
Sofas were a very popular item in this era and they came in various lengths. One popular style of sofa had a rounded medallion in the center of the back, with a carving at the top repeated on either side farther down the frame. Love seats had upholstered wooden frames and were serpentine in shape with natural carvings on the back and the arms. Also very popular during the Rococo era were the upholstered husband and wife chairs. The husband chair had arms and a high back, while the wife chair was a bit lower and armless.
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