Well, I was taught that looking closely at the creations of famous French ebonists, one can read in them their account of the fashions, the social habits and the cultural legacy of the previous centuries. The pronounced taste of the Ancien Régime's nobility for luxury didn't prevent wide variations from over-elaborated magnificence to neo-classical austerity. The solemnity of Louis XIII creations was followed by Louis XIV elegant interiors, which soon gave way to the refreshing charms of the Rococo rooms, before the whimsical curves bowed to the supreme elegance of the neo-Pompeian styles: in other words, a feast of interior designing!
Who knew the superbly restored Musée des arts décoratives could dazzles the visitor with its extensive furniture collection set in original period rooms, many of them transposed here with all their original contents. It was just a question of finding the right guide, a lady of Greek origins with big long blond locks and an incredible knowledge of France's history, art, aristocracy, architecture, social and economic background as well as its past and present foes and allies.
Pretty funky staircase for the Pavillon of Marsans
(part of the Palais du Louvre's western wing)
My favourite arrangement of furniture
How to show off the foreign influences without loosing the "French touch"
How many drawers do you think this cupboard has?
Starting to see more curves than lines
He seemed like a jolly fella
A marble fire place mantel
Interesting choice of disposition and wall colour
Intricate detail of woodwork
Ebony and Ivory in geometrical harmony
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