dolls house source information rococo and neo-classical style

Rococo

During the 1730's, the Regency style (French Regency) took on the features of a new style called Rococo led and influenced by Juste-Aurele Meissonnier. His motifs were ornate curves sweeping and swirling across a surface. He favoured asymmetrical designs, and carvings in the form of rocks and shells. “Rococo” takes its name from “rocaille,” which was used to describe the rock-and-shell designs.

Rococo rooms needed to be furnished with Rococo furniture. Tables, mirrors, bookcass and benches were designed to fit inside niches and alcoves in particular rooms.

Oriental furniture styles also influenced Rococo design. A style called chinoiserie, loosely based on Chinese motifs, became especially popular. Oriental lacquer also became fashionable.

The Neoclassical style, called Louis XVI style in France, replaced the Rococo style by the late 1750's. “Neoclassical” comes from “Neo,” which means new, and the word classical. Neoclassical design thus reflected a renewed interest styles and motifs of ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical designers gradually replaced the numerous curves of the Rococo in favour of the straight outlines of classical furniture. In place of elaborate Rococo Neoclassical artisans used thin pieces of plain wood arranged in geometric designs.

Much Neoclassical furniture was inspired by classical motifs that were discovered in the mid-1700's by archaeologists in two ancient Roman cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum

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