The Federal Style coincides with the early years of the Republic, 1780-1830. The style is completely classical, with traces of antique Pompeiian and Greco-Roman design coming through Adam; Hepplewhite, Sheraton, and regency influences from England; and Louis XIV, Directoire, and Empire influences from France.
Federal furniture is predominantly mahogany, though curly maple and fruitwood were used also. This furniture featured brass accents on ring handles, casters, feet and ornaments. Feet and legs were mostly turned, and reeding was more typical than fluting. Common decorative motifs range from elements of the natural world, such as lions heads and leaves, to classical touchstones such as scrolls and lyres.
The Federal Era was marked by a great interest in architecture and archeology; leading citizens like Thomas Jefferson brought this enthusiasm to a high pitch. Interiors and furniture reflect in pure outlines and refined detail the classic stateliness of Palladio and Vignola and their European followers.
Info courtesy The Encyclopedia of Furniture, by Joseph Aronson. Image courtesy chrisgrayfurniture.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment