The American Period

Historical both France and the United States overthrew their monarchs; because of this, they n now wanted a democracy. The idea of a neoclassicism represented their political aspirations. An important document, where we see the shift from a monarch to a democracy was the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This was the beginning of American architecture and design. Federal Neoclassical was were we start to really see characteristics of American design. This characteristics include armrest being curved/ straight legs on chairs, and daybeds being popular. Duncan Phyfe a Scotman who was best known for the Regency Empire was very influential during this time. He specialized in daybeds and used metal claw tips on table legs. The characteristics of his style in this period were rolled backs, sofas having rolled ends, lyre motif and cornucopia leg. 

Duncan Phyfe Sofa

Other influential furniture pieces during the Federal Neoclassical period was the Hitchcock chair. Another design style that came about was the Shaker. This style valued political and religious freedom. Characteristics of this style was that everything had two, for example there were two entrances, stairways and even sleeping quarters for men and women. This style was elegant yet simple. Cast iron stoves were used and chairs included a ladder back. 

Shaker Style Chair

As time goes, change also occurs such as machine production. Machines were able to create great proportions, details, and embellishments. Machines were able to combine different styles in a single furniture piece. From this came about the Victorian period. The Victorian period architectural were elaborate, romantic and emotional. Architecture and design in many ways defined an individuals social class. Homes during this period were room and included lots of small rooms because everything was still two. Each room had its function, this rooms included dark heavy drapery, dark wood and dark floors. Where as the exteriors of these homes were painted in bright colors. Whenever I think of the Victorian period, I think of the David Davis Mansion, which is a great example for the Victorian Period.

David Davison Mansion

In general, I really enjoyed looking at this period because, I know what is to come after this period because I took History II first. So its pretty cool to see how design has changed and is continuing to change. Can't wait to see the future of interior of design and the history we are making!

Current Applications 

I thought that these were good examples of modern day Victorian style interiors, because they are very elegant and have a feminine touch to them. 

Peer Review

I reviewed Shannon and Alexandra Blog's. 

Shannon did a great job at explaining the American period. I liked how she started by giving background information about the history of the period. I also liked how she focused on Duncan Phyfe- I liked the sourced pictures of his couch from the American period as well as finding the modern pictures of the same couch with a fun, bright twist! 

Alexandra did an excellent job at describing the characteristics of the furniture during this period. Her current applications were also great because you can tell the connection to the American period in the 1800's!

Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbkl2huJyqQ

This was a great video giving ideas on how to design a house in a Victorian Style Period way!

French Renaissance (Neoclassical)

"Neoclassicism is a broad term for the artistic tradition whose artists reacted against Rococo art by embracing simplicity and geometric purity"

France Neoclassicism depicted a new way of constructing art in relation to a new way of governing the country. The style art-equals-politics emerged during the Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette period. "Known as gout grec, or Greek taste, the first Neoclassical iteration occurred in the final decades of the the French monarchy, or ancient regime." The characteristics of the the French Neoclassic, design style included: simpler materials, a lack of applied surface ornamentation, symmetry and pure forms. 

French furniture during this period consisted of of straight lines with the back being squared and slightly vertical. Georges Jacob, a furniture designer, created many furniture pieces, these include, the Louis XVI Neoclassical armchair. 

George Jacobs, Louis XVI armchair, 1770.

Throughout time furniture pieces during this period, became more austre, with even straighter lines and simpler patterns. An example of this was the Louis XVI side chair (no arms). 

Louis XVI side chair.

As time continues within this period, not only does furniture change but also its leadership. Napoleon became emperor in 1804 and his style became known as the Empire. Both the Empire and the Directorate style previously was known for its use of details. This included light profiles and complexity. A famous artist during this section of the period, David. His work was simple yet very complex. His work is seen throughout this period. 

Jacques-Louis David. Madame Recamier.

I really enjoyed looking at this section of the French Renaissance, specifically the furniture!

Current Applications

Peer Review!

In general it was interesting to review individuals blogs on the different periods within the French Renaissance. I reviewed Nicole and Stephanie blog. 

Nicole's blog did a great job of giving the overview the French Renaissance, I enjoyed how she focused on the different architectural elements of this period. I also reviewed Stephanie's blog, I really enjoyed her take on the French Renaissance, describing it as "The French Renaissance was a time where the "royal taste" determined the style of the rest of the country and even world". She also did a great job at showing different architectural places within this period. I also enjoyed, how she compared the French Renaissance style to modern homes today. 

Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIJgA3ZbPg