DSDN171 – Blog Assignment 3
Antiques Hunter
(Trufast, 2012)
This dressing table found on trade me is an avid example of
decorative resurrected rococo décor. This is because Rococo was inclined to
make objects of beauty rather than functionality, a rebellion against neoclassicism.
The elegant organic filigree that is placed on both the
upper mirror, lower mirror and parallel draws reflects the ornate style that
was adopted during the rococo period. The detailing shows leafy and flame like textures,
which were a renowned part of the Rococo style “Undoubtedly the most beautiful and
voluptuous of all leaf work are the embossed sheet metal acanthus leaves of the
Baroque and Rococo period”
(Close, 2003). It shows the reliance the Rococo movement placed on the artistic eye
and nature as an artist model. As stated by Henry Frances Du Pont author of
scholar journal ‘Winther Portfolio’ “The decorative details here, as in most
rococo furniture, derive from real, or at least possible, organic natural
forms” (Du Pont,
1980).
The Rococo movement emphasized natural
ornamentation in every aspect, which can be seen in the craftsmanship of this
object. The color of this dressing table is also in line with Rococo style as it
is of a neutral organic tone as the movement objectively used creamy pastel
colours and gold’s as opposed to bright invasive ones. The structure of this
furniture piece shows the asymmetrical decorative columns that were initially
adapted from neo classicism. The traditional feminine curved lines specific to the
Rococo style are apparent in the frame works of both the dresser and the stool
placed in front of it. The structure is poised on curved frames which are described as “animal legs” by Paul
Godwill, Online art history analyst “The intricacy of the curved designs of the
animal-form legs denotes their expertise in the rococo design.” (Goodwill, 2008) The curved legs
also co-inside with the femininity of Rococo design.
Works Cited
Pont,
H. F. (1980). Style as Evidence. Winterthur Portfolio , 15, 197.
Close,
S. (2003). The design and craftsmanship of ironwork. Retrieved from
http://www.hammersmithstudio.com/history.html
Goodwill, P. A. (2008). The
history and origin of the rococo furniture. Retrieved from http://art.knoji.com/the-history-and-origin-of-the-rococo-furniture/
Introduction to the
artistic style of rococo . (2009). Retrieved from
http://www.arthistory.net/artstyles/rococo/rococo1.html
Tufast, (2012). Rococo Dressing Table with Stool [Photograph].
New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/beds-bedroom-furniture/dressing-tables/auction-468740330.htm.
Trademe. (2012). Rococo
dressing table with stool . Retrieved from
http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/beds-bedroom-furniture/dressing-tables/auction-468740330.htm
