Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Baroque Interiors

Before the Rococo, there was the excessive and sometimes heavy baroque style, popular in the late 17th century and in France, associated with Louis XIV (whose bust appears in the overmantel above). The room seen here is another period room found at the Getty Museum.


Meant to impress, the style is excessively styled with every surface taken into consideration for ornament. Unlike the rococo which was meant to be fun by focussing on light and elegance, the baroque was meant to impress (much like Louis's political regime).

The inlaid ebony writing table above was actually in the inventory of Versailles in the king's mistresses' small palace, the Trianon de Porcelaine (Madame de Montespan). I'm in love with that Japaned box and gilded stand in the window!

Notice the parquet de Versailles flooring in the room, also alluding to the regime. This begs the question, if it isn't baroque, should one fix it? (sorry, I couldn't resist!)

7 comments:

Pinecone Stew said...

Incredible !

Have a SUPER weekend.

Anonymous said...

wonderful series of posts!

Karena said...

Stunning and I love your ending quip, Stefan!!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Come and join my fashionable Giveaway from The Shabby Apple!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

Hehehe, I am a sucker for corny jokes.

Janet said...

LOVE the blue paint. Love it all!

Lord Cowell said...

I really like the gilded molding and painted panels, especially above the fireplace. The repetitive panels on the cupboards are striking, but I see what you mean about them being purposfully imposing.

Anonymous said...

These photos remember me Sige Gold, the italian company that produces luxury furniture. Italian design is gorgeous.