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Summary: Stunning examination of 17th & 18th Century French Furniture
Review: When I first saw this book in London just after it was first published it took my breath away. Being an ardent admirer of everything to do with 18th Century France my knowledge was already fairly extensive on this topic, however nothing prepared me for this lavish volumne filled with wonderfully researched information and the most glorious illustrations, often of pieces never publicly photographed before. I dont believe there has ever been a more comprehensive study on all the major Furniture Makers and Styles of French Furniture through the Golden Period of Pre revolutionnary France in the 17th and 18th Centuries. This book is still the number one reference material for all things to do with this highly creative period of furniture design in France, a period never equalled for creative design, innovative use of distinct materials by different artists, and with unsurpassed attention to detail in execution."French Furniture Makers" provides extensive chapters devoted solely to all the major furniture makers from the earlier 17th century masters such as Pierre Golle and Andre Boulle who were responsible for the first furnishings of Louis the Fourteenth's newly built Versailles, right through to the eve of the Revolution with Reisener's sublime creations for Queen Marie Antoniette. Each chapter is accompanied by eyefilling colour photos of examples of each master's work whether they be in public collections like the famed Wallace Collection, Louvre Museum or Palace of Versailles, or in numerous private collections. Many of the pieces also have photos provided of the masters furniture marks or historic inventory numbers from the Former French Royal Furniture Collections.Much time and research has also gone into mentioning the very active guilds that existed in France whether they be for gilders, wood workers or those involved in upholstery. Information is also passed on about the importance of the proper placement of furniture within the whole interior decoration of the french upper class home at this time. For any student of this period or for those who just love French arts in general this breathtaking book makes very informative and enjoyable reading. For any lovers of Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century French Furniture and Decorative Arts this is a volumn that you cannot afford to pass up. It is one of my most treasured books in my extensive collection on furniture and the decorative arts and of France in general. The beauty of this book is that it can be enjoyed by those with little knowledge of this era of furniture making as well as by the seasoned student of this period like myself. I constantly discover new things when I reread it and marvel at the work it has taken to assemble all the information and photos contained here. A book I cannot recommend highly enough and the very best book on the furniture of Pre-Revolutionnary France. A true treasure.
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