Understanding French Empire Style Furniture
The French Empire style of furniture was popular in Europe between the late 18th century and early 19th century. This style of furniture was first introduced during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign in France, from 1804 to 1814. It was characterized by its grandeur and opulence that symbolized power and wealth. French Empire style furniture had grand proportions, strong lines, and symmetrical forms. It was made with expensive materials such as mahogany, walnut, and rosewood. French Empire furniture was known for its intricate carvings, polished surfaces, and beautiful finishes. Typical motifs include animal paws, eagles, and the Imperial A.The Beauty of Gilded Finishes in French Empire Furniture
Exquisite, often gilded finishes were typical on the most beautiful models of French Empire style furniture. The gilded finish was applied in very thin, hammered sheets of gold, also known as gold leaf, to wood. Gold leaf is then polished to give an elegant, fine golden finish. Gold leaf was not only used on furniture, but also on frames for paintings and mirrors. It was a highly valued material and was considered a symbol of luxury and wealth. The use of gold leaf in French Empire furniture does not only add value to the piece, but also enhances its beauty by giving it a refined and sophisticated look. The combination of gold leaf with the bold and symmetrical lines of the furniture added to the grandeur of the French Empire style.The History and Significance of Gold Leaf Application
The use of gold leaf in furniture dates back to ancient times. It was used in Egyptian and Roman art and was considered a symbol of divinity. During the Renaissance, gold leaf was used extensively in painting and decorative arts. It was also used in church decoration, making religious objects appear more holy and valuable. The application of gold leaf requires a highly skilled craftsman. The process involves covering the wood with a special adhesive made from animal skin glue, then applying the thin layer of gold leaf. Once the gold leaf has been applied, it is burnished or polished to a high shine.How to Identify French Empire Furniture Finishes
Identifying French Empire furniture finishes can be quite challenging for someone who is untrained in recognizing them. However, there are a few steps you can take to identify whether a piece is true French Empire furniture or not.- Look for bold, symmetrical lines and classical motifs such as eagles, lions, or Greek mythology figures.
- Check for high-quality materials such as mahogany, walnut, or rosewood.
- Examine the finish of the furniture. French Empire furniture finishes are usually exquisite and are often gilded with gold leaf.
Other Common Finishes in French Empire Style Furniture
Aside from gold leaf finishes, French Empire style furniture was also commonly painted or stained in dark colors such as black or mahogany. Marble was also used on surfaces such as tabletops, consoles, and columns. The use of marble was both practical and decorative, providing a durable, hard-wearing surface while enhancing the luxurious look of the furniture.Caring for French Empire Furniture Finishes Over Time
Caring for French Empire furniture finishes requires gentle and careful handling. Here are a few tips to help you keep your French Empire furniture looking great over time:- Use soft cloths or brushes to clean the furniture and avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Dust the furniture regularly to keep it free of dust that can damage the finish.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that can cause the finish to fade or crack.
- If the furniture has a gilded finish, avoid touching it with your bare hands to prevent the transfer of natural oils that can tarnish the gold leaf.