Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Der Stil Louis XVI : Mobiliar und Raumkunst [Bauformen-Bibliothek Achter Band]

Ricci, Seymour de (Hrs.)

Stuttgart: Julius Hoffmann, [1913]. First German edition. Hardcover. Large quarto. XVIII, [2]pp (Text), 272pp (Plates). Original olive cloth, with gold-lettered title labels on spine and front cover. Frontispiece.

Illustrated with no less than 480 b/w photographic reproductions, this work introduces the reader to the French neo classical style of Louis XVI, often associated with the "Etruscan" style, which is characterized by a fairly complex mixing in of sculpture like ornamentation and metal and ceramic mounts. Inspired by the discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, which revealed something of the character of the interiors and furniture of the ancient classical civilizations of Rome and Greece, a new form of furniture design, the neo classical, comes to dominate the world of French furniture. Indeed, in Louis XVI furniture there is an emphasis on straight lines and right angles, seriousness, logical design, a sharp move away from the curves of the Rococo. Furniture becomes restrained in its form and decoration, with much use of fluted columns, carved friezes, oak and laurel leaf, wreaths, the Greek band, and other various neo classical attempts to imitate the furniture and architecture of the Romans and Greeks.

Fore-edge of title on spine slightly detached. Text in German. Binding in overall good+ to very good, interior in very good condition. g+ to vg. Item #40299

Price: $125.00