Neoclassical Style

During 1760 through 1789, the Neoclassical Style came about during the French period. Because the previous period was led by women, the Rococo period ended by the women. This was very different from the past because the king and court did not rule this ending. King Louis XV's favorite women of the time turned the Rococo style into the classicism. These women included Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. Madame de Pompadour developed art and architecture in France, sponsored work of Sevres, and lead the movement toward Eastern products. Madame de Pompadour also suggested the Petite Trianon. Madame du Barry received the Petite Trianon from the aging Louis XV, but Marie Antoinette was closely associated with it. The Petite Trianon represented the Roman forms. It had strict architectural schemes for the buildings. This included hospitals, government offices, and railroad stations. Their favorite capital of the time from the Roman forms was Doric.

The architecture was not the main focus of this period. The walls were painted to look like marble instead of actually using the material. Dark greens and reds were used to represent Pompeii. Ancient Egyptian ornamentation and decorative details resembled military symbols of the Roman armies. Like stated earlier, architecture was not as distinctive during this era; furniture stood out more than anything.

The interiors did not bring over the curves of the Rococo period. If curves did exist, it was semicircular and not free-flowing. Lines and proportions were more slender, and walls were paneled and painted with raised outer moldings. This was decorated with classical ornamentation such as the egg and dart. The panel corners often had square rosettes. The colors were pale and white/off-white with a touch of gold. The ornamentation and motifs were influenced by the Roman and Greek architecture.

Images | Past

Images | Current

Extra Credit | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Elfq5qlUY