The landscape of American furniture design has a rich
history dating back to the Colonial period.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is honoring that tradition and spirit of
American design in its exhibit called, “American Decorative Arts.” We are simply amazed by their extensive
collection, which can be viewed on the Museum’s website if one cannot make it
to New York. Their fantastic exhibit is
broken into various periods that reflect Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic Revival
influences in America.
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, between 1730
and 1790, American furniture design was heavily influenced by Baroque and
Rococo styles of Europe. Both emphasize sweeping curves and exuberance. Speaking of curves, Boston was actually the
first Colonial city to implement the “S” curve in chair backs. The “S” allowed the seated person to enjoy a
shape that conformed comfortably to their spine, which experts believe reflected
a growing American concern for comfort during this time. The most popular wood
for furniture making then was black walnut, which was transported from Virginia
and Pennsylvania to New England and the rest of the Mid Atlantic. When it came to comfort, the “S” shape was
not enough to satiate the public’s desire for relaxation and leisure. Cabinetmakers started designing specialized
furniture forms, like tables for card playing and entertaining guests with tea. Many of these tables were bold, resting on
dramatic claw feet.
The Rococo styles of the 18th century were also
known for their break from classical order and symmetry. Designers sought to emphasize natural forms
and lines with curves, carvings, engravings, and by incorporating natural
materials into furnishings. The Rococo
style really took hold in seaport cities, where designers were inspired by
engraved designs in pattern books and other imported objects from Europe. By the 1780s, however, the exuberant styles
of this period were already giving way to more classical forms that had come
before.
“American Revival Styles” is another featured period at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, covering the years between 1840 and 1846, during
which time Romanticism motivated furniture designers to return to simpler ways
of the past. Styles adapted from ancient
Greece and Rome became popular, especially for suburban houses. For drawing rooms or parlors, furnishings based
on elegant French models were in high demand.
Gothic Revival-style furniture, however, a branch of the Revival period,
was a must for home libraries and even dining rooms.
We are excited to be participating in such a richly steeped
American tradition. Come to any of our
store locations to see if you can spot hints of the aforementioned traditions
in our furniture selections. We look
forward to helping you add style to your home furnishings.
