Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Louis XIV und Regence: Raumkunst und Mobiliar [Bauformen-Bibliothek Band XXIV]

Ricci, Seymour de (Hrs.)

Stuttgart: Julius Hoffmann, 1929. First German edition. Hardcover. Large quarto. XXIII, [1]pp (Text), 215, [1]pp (Plates). Original olive cloth, with gold-lettered title labels on spine and front cover. Frontispiece.

Illustrated with no less than 414 b/w photographic reproductions, this 24th volume of the Bauformen-Bibliothek series introduces the reader to the fascinating world of Louis XIV and Regency furniture, decoration and ornament. The Louis XIV style, established after the king took personal control of the government in 1661, was molded by the chief minister, Colbert. He established manufactories of tapestries, textiles, furniture, and ornaments; assembled leading artists and artisans in the royal service; and appointed Charles Le Brun director of the Gobelins manufactory and decorator of the palace of Versailles. Colbert worked in close cooperation with J. H. Mansart, achieving interiors of great splendor, in which the decoration was closely integrated with the architectural framework. Neutral backgrounds were often used to emphasize the strong, rich colors of Gobelin, Aubusson, and Beauvais tapestries, Savonnerie and Oriental rugs, velvet or brocade upholstery, hangings, and large paintings on walls and ceilings. Such ornaments as scrolls, acanthus leaves, caryatids, busts, and full figures with festoons of flowers and fruit were employed. Large mirrors decorated the walls. Furniture scaled to the huge proportions of the rooms was made of ebony or covered with silver, gilt, or lacquer and decorated with carving and with marquetry in the manner of A. C. Boulle.

In contrast to the heavy, massive members and curves used in the period of Louis XIV, the régence style, established during the regency of Philippe II, duc d'Orléans (1715-23), began to employ delicate lines and intricate curves. Finely sculptured bronze reliefs became the outstanding mode of furniture decoration under the leadership of the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent.

Minor shelf wear. Text in German. Binding and interior in overall very good condition. vg. Item #40300

Price: $125.00