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French Antiques
Bringing Old-World Style Home By Suzy Feine
From Paris to Provence, antiques originating in France are highly coveted today for their romantic, old-world style and grace. Rich upholstery, ornate woodcarvings and grand appearance are only a few of the characteristics of the Parisian style produced for royalty centuries ago.
French antique styles worth noting date back to the 16th century. During this time, styles were dictated by the reigning sovereign. New styles usually coincided with a new monarch, naming a new period in furniture history. These "periods" mark a particular style that was preferred in a certain country during a historical era. Periods of particular importance defining the history of French furniture include French Renaissance, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Regency, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Directory and French Empire.
French antiques are sweeping the nation, transforming modern design into an eclectic mix of styles. We spoke with three pioneers of the industry – specializing in furniture and decorator accessories – for their visions of the history and the future of French antiques.
"France was blessed with an abundance of native forests filled with varieties of wood ideal for crafting furniture," Stewart says. "The splendid, densely grained oaks of the northern regions of Normandie and Bretagne defy aging and are remarkable in their ability to accept carving. In addition, France's far-reaching maritime industries brought home superb equatorial woods, such as rosewood and mahogany. Utilizing these God-given natural resources, the artisans of France have been able to produce exquisite objects that are, indeed, timeless."
Superior raw materials, however, are only the beginning of the story. "The Guilds of France, begun during the 13th century, have trained, through an arduous apprenticeship program lasting six or more years, legions of skilled craftsmen who utilize centuries-old methods to produce sturdy furnishings with an artistic flair that draws stylistic inspiration down through history beginning with ancient Greece," Stewart says.
Stewart's two showrooms offer a staggering array of French antique furniture and boast all the major styles. "We typically stock at least 12 distinct variations of Renaissance style furnishings at all times," Stewart says. "Our customers enjoy the utmost in quality, value and selection, all of which ensure that no matter their style preference, they can find French antiques that will accent any d袯r, all the while providing exceptional keepsake quality with only a surprisingly modest investment."
