History of Gustavian Furniture, part II

The Gustavian style is a restrained interpretation of the French Louis XV and Louis XVI style and it evolved throughout the late 1700’s and into the early 1800’s to become a solid participant in the European Neoclassical period. Simpler in design and execution, the Gustavian furniture reflects the reserved and humble character of this country. While expensive woods such as mahogany were in demand by the nobility, the painted finishes that we know today as the Gustavian style, is what was affordable for the average Swedish citizen. The high styles coming out of Stockholm were adapted using more affordable and available pine which was then painted in light colors such as white, grey, blue or yellow to support the reflective ability sought during their long dark winters. Here are a few examples of quintessential 18th & 19th Century Gustavian furniture design.

An exquisitely made Gustavian open barrel back armchair from 1795 and attributed to Ephraim Ståhl, one of the foremost chair makers in Stockholm. This piece has a gracefully shaped backrest subtly embellished with an elegant basket weave detailing along the top. The base of the chair boasts a beautiful egg and dart carving detail and sits upon round leaf carved and tapered legs in the front and simple square and tapered legs in the back.

Exquisite Gustavian period stepped back corner cupboard in two pieces and restored in a warm white paint with wonderful carving details. The piece begins with a galleried top over a dentil and reed carved pediment flanked on each side by stylized columns. The eight panel glass door is gently arched and opens to reveal two shelves and two small drawers. The bottom half of the cupboard repeats the reed carving pediment and stylized columns with a single arched raised panel door that opens to reveal two shelves.

A Gustavian style Swedish mirror from the first quarter of the 19th century. Surmounted with a carved ribbon detail, the mirrors frame has a beautiful pediment with egg & dart carving above a delicate pearl band. This pearl carving is repeated around a diminutive oil painting on canvas depicting four maids. The delicate carvings are continued around the perimeter of the mirror and accented with a winding ribbon detail. The simple plinth base is embellished with pearl, egg & dart carvings

Glossary - Cabriole Leg

Cabriole Leg - A stylized form of furniture leg in an elongated "S" shape that curves outward and then narrows downward in the same fashion as an animals hind leg.

Travel - Sweden

Stockholm

The beauty, the charm, the tradition of Stockholm.........

Royal Palace

Changing of the guard...they are taking their job very seriously

Hotel Dipolomat...elegant in its appearance and professional in its service. Sitting outside the hotel in luxurious chairs, sipping coffee, watching and listening the many European visitors strole by; we couldn't have been more content.

A charming street.......even on a rainy day it is so beautiful

Gamla Stan

Glossary - Girandole

Girandole: An ornamental candlestick, usually as a pair, with several arms and lights. It appears to have been created during the second half of the 17th century. Typically ornate in design and made of a variety of materials including gilded bronze, silver and wood.

Glossary - Bergere

Bergère: An upholstered chair, originating in France and adopted by Sweden, consisting of an exposed frame, closed arms, and loose seat cushion.

History of Gustavian Furniture, part I

Gustavian furniture is named after one of the most famous European Kings, Gustav III of Sweden. It was Gustav III’s cultural interests and passion for architecture and design that resulted in an artistic golden age in late 18th century Sweden.

Gustaf’s affinity for the court life at Versailles, his intense desire to amass an artistic collection rivaling any in Europe and his extensive travels resulted in some of the great sculptors, artists and architects of France and Italy to be brought to Sweden and create for the monarchy. It was during this time that the Gustavian style was born.

Travel in Denmark

Rosenborg Castle Travel in Denmark is magical. If you have the opportunity to visit Copenhagen, be sure to visit this amazing castle ( or Slot in Danish) right in the heart of the city.

Rosenborg Slot was used as a Royal residence until around 1710, when Christian IV's great grandson, Frederik IV, gave it up in favour of other, more up-to-date, summer residences. Rosenborg Castle instead became the setting for the Royal collections. That is the reason for the many well preserved interiors which are quite unique.

The Queen's Crown The Queen's Crown, made for Queen Sophie Magdalene by court jeweller Frederik (I) Fabritius in 1731. It was in use until 1840. The table-cut stones are believed to have come from Queen Sophie Amalie's crown from 1648.

The collection of Crown Jewels for use by the reigning Queen was established with the will of Queen Sophie Magdalene in 1746 and subsequently enlarged through gifts from later queens and princesses. For the last coronation of the absolute monarchy in 1840, Queen Caroline Amalie had the main part of the Crown Jewels put together in four sets consisting of, for example, tiara, necklace, brooch and earrings.

Frederik IV's Room This room was originally one bay longer and was used as Christian IV's Audience Chamber. A marble fireplace, now in the King's Chamber, and ceiling paintings with mythological motifs, now in Christian IV's Winter Garden , were among the room's original decorations; on the walls were family portraits of the King's family.

Photos courtesy of Rosenborg Castle