DOI Heft:
The International Studio (June, 1908)
DOI Artikel:Tiffany, Joseph Burr: Period pianos for period rooms - Louis XIV, XV and VXI periods
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.28254#0513
Period Pianos for Period Rooms
LOUIS XVI PIANO
(directoire influence)
ERIOD PIANOS FOR PERIOD
ROOMS—LOUIS XIV, XV AND
XVI PERIODS
BY J. BURR TIFFANY
The years between the end of the fifteenth cen-
tury and the beginning of the seventeenth marked
the best period of the “eben-
ist’s” art as far as the Renais-
sance is concerned. These
years saw the production of
nearly all that is purest and
best, out of which much of the
later styles of other countries
were evolved. Incessant wars
in Italy during this period dis-
turbed the artists of that coun-
try, and many of them jour-
neyed to France and England,
where they could work under
the stimulating influence of
peace. France afforded the
best asylum, however, and a
purer, richer and nobler art
was the outcome of this alli-
ance. Furniture assumed more
classical form, and the tech-
nique and quality of the de-
signs were of the first order.
In tracing the origin of the L0UIS XVI PIAN0
decorative styles of the French bronze mounts,
periods which have played so
important a part in the arts of
the world all honor belongs to
Louis XIV for his generous
spirit in founding that most
ideal of institutions, the Royal
Academy of Painting, Archi-
tecture and Sculpture, to which
were admitted the best “eben-
ists” of the day. Thus was
furniture classed among the
fine arts, and caused to be-
come one of them, embracing
all the other arts to bring this
one to perfection. Colbert,
made Prime Minister by Louis
XIV, usually selected such
artists whose ability entitled
them to un appartement au
Louvre. Once placed beyond
the annoying considerations of
bills and possible debt their
life was free to be devoted to
art alone. This inestimable boon prepared the
way for the most magnificent luxury the world
has seen in modern times. To Louis XIV and
Colbert, then, we owe the development of the ex-
quisite art which is to be seen in the drawing-rooms
of our palatial residences and “hotels de luxe.”
The periods of transition afford the utmost per-
STEINWAY & SONS
STEINWAY & SONS
ORMOLU FINISH
CXLIX
LOUIS XVI PIANO
(directoire influence)
ERIOD PIANOS FOR PERIOD
ROOMS—LOUIS XIV, XV AND
XVI PERIODS
BY J. BURR TIFFANY
The years between the end of the fifteenth cen-
tury and the beginning of the seventeenth marked
the best period of the “eben-
ist’s” art as far as the Renais-
sance is concerned. These
years saw the production of
nearly all that is purest and
best, out of which much of the
later styles of other countries
were evolved. Incessant wars
in Italy during this period dis-
turbed the artists of that coun-
try, and many of them jour-
neyed to France and England,
where they could work under
the stimulating influence of
peace. France afforded the
best asylum, however, and a
purer, richer and nobler art
was the outcome of this alli-
ance. Furniture assumed more
classical form, and the tech-
nique and quality of the de-
signs were of the first order.
In tracing the origin of the L0UIS XVI PIAN0
decorative styles of the French bronze mounts,
periods which have played so
important a part in the arts of
the world all honor belongs to
Louis XIV for his generous
spirit in founding that most
ideal of institutions, the Royal
Academy of Painting, Archi-
tecture and Sculpture, to which
were admitted the best “eben-
ists” of the day. Thus was
furniture classed among the
fine arts, and caused to be-
come one of them, embracing
all the other arts to bring this
one to perfection. Colbert,
made Prime Minister by Louis
XIV, usually selected such
artists whose ability entitled
them to un appartement au
Louvre. Once placed beyond
the annoying considerations of
bills and possible debt their
life was free to be devoted to
art alone. This inestimable boon prepared the
way for the most magnificent luxury the world
has seen in modern times. To Louis XIV and
Colbert, then, we owe the development of the ex-
quisite art which is to be seen in the drawing-rooms
of our palatial residences and “hotels de luxe.”
The periods of transition afford the utmost per-
STEINWAY & SONS
STEINWAY & SONS
ORMOLU FINISH
CXLIX