The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Furniture Finishing

French Empire (The directoire and napoleonic periods, 1799-1814)


IN CONSIDERING this era we have one of the foremost examples of how history writes itself into the furniture. The classic revival of Louis XVI was largely a philosophical one; with the stabilizing of the French Revolution in 1795, a practical revival was attempted with France as the heir of the ancient Greek and Roman republics, governed by a senate and a directorate of three called consuls. From this regime, superseded by Napoleon's coronation as emperor, we have the brief "Directoire" period, serving largely as an introduction to Empire, but developing during its short life certain outstanding characteristics.

Like Louis XVI, Directoire follows the lines of Greek grace and delicacy rather than the Roman grandeur, brutality even, of Napoleon. But the treatment was republican rather than monarchical, evincing itself in a severer, more rectangular note featuring its ornamentation in a manner which would have been regarded as harsh in Louis XVI. Thus all of the classical emblems were retained, but more with an idea of copying than adapting. Nevertheless it achieved a certain livableness which cannot be attributed to the more aristocratic style it succeeded.

His fellow consuls once overthrown and himself proclaimed emperor, Napoleon actively furthered the erasement from French memory of all recollection of the old regime. To fulfill his purpose in the field of interior decoration, Napoleon set up a committee of artists headed by David, all not only capable but strongly imbued with both the classic tradition and faith in the Napoleonic star of destiny. Overnight, so to speak, they created the Empire Style, born of political necessity and nourished by popular intoxication.

Despite its fiat origin and militaristic pomp, French Empire developed a massive dignity that gave it popularity on two continents. It was adopted in America because of an accord dating from French aid to the revolting colonies. England took it and adapted it because of a traditional dependence on things French in matters of style and despite a bitter hatred of anything pertaining to Napoleon. Even Sheraton was forced to adopt it, and in America our own Duncan Phyffe gave it a new beauty.

Significant French furniture of Empire design includes tables with end scroll and centrally grouped pedestal legs supported either by a heavy recessed base or a similar frame mounted at the four corners with claw feet. Beds and sofas, too, were massive with gondola or sleigh fronts and backs, straight or scrolled over in the manner of a Greek couch. Chairs were of the Roman curule type, with straight carved or fluted front legs and plain rear legs curving backward. Seats were liberally upholstered, and when without arms, were given square seats and backs, otherwise deep with sides and back rounded into one piece