The Directoire style extends from 1789 to 1804. Marking the transition between Louis XVI and Empire styles, it is characterized by a simple invoice and simple shapes .
Taking its name from the Directory, that is to say, the government of Directors , which lasted four years, from 1795 to 1799 , this style does not correspond exactly to the historical period of the same name . In fact, this style was born at the time of the fall of the monarchy and disappears with the advent of the Empire. It therefore includes the Revolutionary period (1789-1792) , of the Convention (1792-1795) , the Executive Board (1795-1799) and the Consulate (1799-1804) Napoleon Bonaparte.
It is in a very troubled period that shapes this style, both simple and varied reasons . Are used successively Phrygian caps , Egyptian motifs, and finally crossed swords .
The Directoire style , which is both Louis XVI and ending the beginnings of the Empire, not as an independent entity , but must be defined as a transitional phenomenon , making the link between Louis XVI and Empire styles .
Forms are simplified , combining discrete curves and straight lines, announcing the Empire style without being cumbersome .
At first , allegories and emblems invade revolutionary furniture, wall decor and textiles. Among these are the Phrygian cap (freedom ) , spirit levels (equality) , hands clasped ( brotherhood ) , peak ( human freedom ) , the eye within a triangle (reason) , the three orders of the nation is the cross ( clergy ) , the sword ( nobility ) and shovel summoned the Phrygian cap ( the third condition).
Then after the Egyptian campaign of Bonaparte (1798-1801) , which involved a large number of scientists, writers and archaeologists , France and Europe took a passion for egyptomania . Among them was the architect and archaeologist Dominique Vivant Denon (1747-1825) , who took advantage of his stay in Egypt to write Trip to the Lower and Upper Egypt , published in 1802. This book capital very quickly known for his descriptions and plates reproducing sphinxes and pylons, largely contributed to the dissemination of ornaments Egyptian type . Indeed , shortly after its publication, number of pieces of Egyptian inspiration appeared in the collections of drawings Percier and Fontaine.
By the coup of November 9, 1799 , Napoleon established the Consulate and himself became First Consul. This act marked the beginning of his role in the artistic evolution , even if accédât to the throne in 1804 . In 1799 , one of the concerns was to refurnish the palace to discuss his plan. To this end, he employed Percier and Fontaine, ardent defenders of ancient taste, which redécorèrent Saint -Cloud , the Tuileries , the Louvre and other palatial apartments in a typical style of this period , marked by important military conquests . So during the Consulate and archaeological scholar who became the style of the First Empire was born.
The interior multiplied symbols related to war and figures of victory. Later will come the imperial emblems, like eagles . Shortly after , the style of Napoleon will fetch its models in the massive and pompous art of ancient Rome , as the Greek , sober and simple art , could not make that imperial power wished to express grandeur and heroism .
Furniture :
The furniture had to be an exact copy of rooms revealed by the excavations of Pompeii and draw representations contained on ancient vases and bas-reliefs . At that time even developing a " Etruscan " style .
David , the famous painter , had an important role in this new taste . He designed a series of inspired Greco- Roman models rooms, and ordered Jacob to produce around 1789 . Among these famous pieces were seats mahogany curule form with base X , inspired by the Greek klismos and graceful daybed sleek which David represented Madam Recamier .
The most celebrated of the last years of the Republic interior was precisely that of Madame Recamier . At the forefront of stylistic evolution , this group was due to the genius of two men Percier and Pierre- François- Léonard Fontaine , the famous decorators .
Meridian and couches of Roman inspiration were very fashionable , besides the one on which sat Madame de Recamier eventually even take his name . Executed in mahogany, seats and couches with large curves reminiscent of the Greek models . They are distinguished by their refined treatment and archaeologically documented.
Portrait of Madame Recamier by Jacques Louis David , Louvre museum .
Other types of furniture from this period often wore extravagant ornaments, with archaeological and symbolic , like the Roman swords , the lightning of Jupiter, crooked feet of animals and lions' heads . George Jacob , the first lined the famous cabinetmakers Jacob , was one of the first to introduce the sphinx in the decoration of furniture.
The seat:
There were few new forms of other pieces of furniture before the Empire. But in the area of the seat, two very common types are discernible . Like all Executive seats, their hind feet , square section , are curved saber . These are then extended by the amount of the file. This specific feature is the first thing you notice in imitation of Greek klismos and does not lack elegance. Then two types of seat Executive stand . The first is still close to the Louis XVI style : File , slightly concave , has flared amounts at angles more or less pronounced with the top rail. The second has meanwhile folder overthrown in lacrosse, in the manner of klismos . The shapes of the front feet are common to both types , always looking and tapered ; armrests ending in knobs , scrolls or are at right angle and adorned , in connection with the case, a palm or shell carved. The armrest supports are shaped baluster or columns . Sometimes, as is the case for one of the chairs of Madame Recamier , supports take the form of a winged sphinx or a similar pattern. The sculptured ornament, little troubled at this time, comes in daisies , stars, tureens , netting relief . The diamond , complete, or folded corners , is one of the reasons most frequently repeated Management .
Ornamentation :
The ornamentation is gaining sobriety , especially as the Revolution has led to the closure of many woodworking workshops. The Pompeian style predominates, but the inspiration Renaissance motifs are also very fashionable and the first decorations to appear Egyptian , all interpreted in a range of very specific colors. The reasons stucco or sculptures stand out in bright colors and clashed on Pompeian walls brown , purples, oranges , black being the favorite colors for hangings . As regards the reasons , one sees the palmette and especially designs inspired antique ( swan sphynges ) or military (helmets , trophies, swords ) . Note the frequent use of geometric patterns (diamonds , hexagons ) . The furniture is lacquered.
