The French Interiors in the Eighteenth Century

Writing for historians, art historians, designers, and collectors, Whitehead starts by discussing context, in particular the clientele--royals (beginning with Louis XV), decorators, royal mistresses, nobles and financiers, collectors, descendents, and foreigners--all of whom helped shape the work of artists and artisans. He then covers in detail the range of styles and influences and investigates architecture topics including the evolving use and content of rooms. Following are individual chapters devoted to the specifics of furniture, gilt-bronze, porcelain, lacquer and wallpapers, textiles, and silver. The narrative draws in part on contemporary inventories, letters, and journals to shed light on the ideas and preoccupations of those who created, inspired, and lived in these lavish interiors. As befitting the subject matter, the book itself is lavishly illustrated, elegantly designed, and oversize (10x12"). Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

John Whitehead is a frequent exhibitor at international art and antiques fairs, and serves on the committee of the French Porcelain Society. He is a well-known authority on eighteenth-century decorative arts and interior decoration, and has previously written, with Dr Oliver Impey, on the use of Japanese lacquer on French furniture, and with Sir Francis Watson on the porcelain collection of the Grand Dauphin.