This style really began in the second part
of the reign of Louis XV and expanded over the entire reign
of Louis XVI. The origins of this style go back to the ruins
of Pompeii and the Greco-Roman art, during this time archaeological
sites were visited by architects that brought back new designs.
The revelation of Greek art around 1760 was
critical in the development of this style. Louis XVI decoration
followed the influence of two writers and thinkers of the
time: Diderot and Rousseau, the first one brought simplicity
and sensibility and the second one concentrated in the love
of nature and the return to a simple life.
Rustic motifs like: land working utensils,
baskets with flowers, hearts and arrows, ribbons, garlands
with leaves and flowers, musical instruments, scientific
instruments, oval shaped medallions and fire torches mixed with
elements of antiquity like: beaded, rais-de coeur, Greek friezes
and reed and ribbon details.
This style is a mix of archaic and naturalistic
motifs as well as sentimental attributes, which account for
its uniqueness and charm.
