French Baroque

For this blog post, I want to focus on one part of the Baroque style that caught my attention the most.  The Palais de Versailles made a huge impact on many people and after learning about it, I can see why.  It was originally a hunting lodge for Louis X111 that house 10,000 people designed by Louis Le Vau. The Palais had many different architectural elements throughout such as, classical architecture and decoration, the classic orders, 15' ceilings and 11' doors, symmetrical designs (real doors matched with fake doors) and had balanced windows and mirrors. 





 Going along with all of these features, colorful architecture was also a main aspect of the interior of Versailles.  Paintings, tapestries, columns and rugs were normally very vibrant in color.  Most of the rooms in the palace were all very large and dignified, always making a statement. 




The Palais of Versailles garden was a main feature of the grounds.  The gardens were an attempt to recreate ancient Roman villas.  It was made to tie the outside to the inside with many reflecting pools projecting images of the building onto the water.  It also contained advancing and receding planes, floor levels of the Palais were visible on the exterior and had many sculptured figures.

If you would like to see more of the Palais de Versailles, watch the video below that takes you on a virtual tour. Enjoy!

 

Baroque furniture was very different compared to past eras I have blogged about.  Marquetry was a style of furniture that had a very complicated process.  Andre Charles Boulle was a master at this art.  He was also famous for his elaborate armoires.  Materials to make these armoires and other Baroque furniture was imported from China and Japan.  Louis XIV chairs were popular as well s he took inspiration from the sedia chair.  They had curved arms, heavy on the upholstery, the seat leaned back and the legs were carved.  The Bergere chair was introduced at this point in time as well still see forms of this chair to this day. 

Andre Charles Boulle Console

Louis XIV Chair

                                       


Modern Day Applications of Baroque style: