THE GLORIOUS FRANCE
The 17th century brought sweeping change to Europe and France in particular. The Middle Ages ended and the period of France as a major world player dawned. This century saw the glory of the Sun King, Louis XIV, and the opening of trade with Asia and the Americas. Right around the turn of the 17th century, furniture developed into one of the major ways artists expressed themselves in France.
HISTORICAL VALUE
This time period in France was one of great innovation and change. The ascension of Louis XIV, often called 'The Sun King,' led to the creation of one of the finest castles in Europe, Versailles. Here, we can still see an example of how gilded wood furniture and mirrors exploded in popularity around this time.
Also happening in the 17th century was the opening of the Far East to trade, and the introduction of Oriental style and many new types of materials, especially varieties of wood. More were introduced with the exploration of the West Indies late in the century. These new woods included amboya, violetwood, satinwood, and mahogany. Native wood, like cherry wood and limewood, was used in new ways as well.
FRENCH FURNITURE CRAFTERS
Before the 17th century began, the furniture makers of France were known as menuisiers, which translated in English means 'carpenter.' This is because the furniture was primarily made of local wood and included basic pieces such as seating, cupboards, and clothing storage. Right around the beginning of the 17th century, though, there was a big change in both French furniture and French furniture-makers.
A new breed of furniture crafter, the ebeniste, emerged. This name derives from ebony, a new wood that many of these master crafters began to use at this time. While the menuisier still existed, and was responsible for the basic furniture and carpentry, like door frames, the ebeniste elevated furniture-making to an art form. The ebeniste specialized in using ebony as a veneer or inlay on furniture that was made of more common forms of wood, such as oak. While this was usually done on elaborate cabinets, it could also be found on other items of furniture, especially in the wealthier households.
Late in the 17th century, a new material found its way into French furniture: metal. This led to two more types of crafters. The ciseleur-fondeur was responsible for metal that was melted and then formed into mounts and embellishments. The doreur was known for working with the most precious metal of all: gold. Gilding, or the process of using flakes of gold on furniture, became popular at this time.