French Baroque: Walls and Ceilings

The early French periods began in 1600, after the Louis XIII style, which became the transition period into the French Baroque. Royalty began to introduce workshops and supported the creative industries with funding, which centralized the arts under the reigning monarchy. However, progress was discouraged and deterred by foreign influences (Harwood, May, & Sherman, 2002). Henry IV encouraged marked strides in the arts by creating free workshops in the Louvre, and also provided apartments to these artists and craftsmen. Several periods will be overviewed over the course of this paper, particularly specifying the ceiling and wall finishes during the specific periods.

During the French Renaissance, which lasted from 1515-1643, Italy influenced French architecture, because the French had just invaded it. The interior walls were typically covered in white plaster or wood paneling, and important rooms were enhanced by use of gilding (Blakemore, 2006). Mere plebeians could afford such grandeur, but for the wealthy it displayed the wealth and power of the family. Paneling, paintings, and hangings, were also used as decoration on the walls. Exterior walls were thick to provide protection to an open, inner courtyard (Steele, 2009). Gothic proportions were featured in tall, narrow panels, in addition to being painted on the walls. Wall paintings frequently resembled stones or textile patterns, a more affordable alternative to the actual thing. When hung, fabrics were either plain or embellished fabric, imported and domestic tapestries, or leather. As the period continues, ceilings are becoming more of a focal point, and are emphasized with carvings, brightly colored stripes, arabesques, or other repeating motifs. Geometric coffer...

... middle of paper ...

...spaces feature decorative borders with elaborate corner motifs (Harwood et al., 2002).

In conclusion, the walls and ceilings are relatively consistent throughout the subsequent periods. Wood paneling, gilding, painting, and tapestries were the most popular wall applications. Gilded, carved, and plaster ceilings were the most prominently used during the periods. Craftsmanship was emphasized, and there was an overall lightness of design, especially in comparison to comparative English periods. Walls and ceilings were a vital part of the design, because these areas were the most emphatic areas of the room. Furniture was important but lackluster when contrasted by the gorgeous delineation of forms surrounded the rooms. Perhaps the greatest takeaway from these periods is the emphasis on the seventh plane, something so minutely considered in modern times.