European Furniture History - French Styles

The most important furniture for a medieval peasant was a chest, also known as a coffer or trunk.

Gothic architecture used pointed arches, trefoil arches, and other features like circles, flowers, and curved lines.

Furniture in the Gothic style reflected design elements from Gothic architecture, like pointed arches.

A common piece of furniture for medieval peasants; also called a coffer or trunk.

An architectural feature characterized by a pointed top, often used in Gothic style buildings and furniture.

Medieval furniture came in different shapes and sizes.

Chests or cabinets were important pieces of furniture in the medieval era.

Some medieval furniture was made from tree trunks and iron bands.

Some medieval furniture was constructed from tree trunks.

Tree trunks of medieval furniture were sometimes banded in iron.

The period after the fall of the Roman Empire, from 500 CE to 1500 CE, sometimes called the Dark Ages.

A term for the Early Middle Ages, referencing the frequent wars and conflicts in Europe.

Furniture characterized by architectural influences, using ornamentation from cathedrals.

A style of art and architecture that emerged in Europe during the late Middle Ages (1100-1500).

Gothic style was influenced by Northern European tribes, Roman/Byzantine styles, and Islamic cultures.

Simple, functional, and portable furniture, like tables, chairs, storage boxes, and beds.

Medieval furniture was designed to be useful and easy to move due to their often unstable lifestyles.

Medieval furniture types were relatively basic, featuring primarily tables, chairs, storage, and beds.

Decorative elements in Gothic furniture were inspired by cathedral design.

The period roughly from the 1100s to the 1500s, marked by the appearance and evolution of the Gothic style.

A period of cultural and artistic rebirth in Europe, starting in Italy during the 14th century and spreading throughout the continent by the 15th.

The Renaissance first appeared in Italy during the 14th century.

The Renaissance spread throughout Europe during the 15th century.

Furniture makers developed their own distinct stylistic approaches.

Part of the 14th century, this century was a point in history of significance.

Furniture during the Renaissance period drew inspiration from Italian designs, incorporating elements like classical motifs and intricate carvings.

French furniture makers began incorporating Renaissance design elements into their work, adapting them to their own style.

The Renaissance period, spanning roughly from 1350 to 1550 CE, marked a significant cultural and artistic revival in Europe.

Italian design had a strong influence on Renaissance furniture in other European countries, as artisans adopted and adapted its style.

Renaissance furniture represented a significant change in design compared to furniture from earlier periods.

Renaissance furniture marked a departure from the prevailing furniture styles of the Middle Ages and earlier periods.

Renaissance furniture represented a significant shift in design, marking a new era in furniture history.

Renaissance furniture is defined by its departure from medieval styles, incorporating features like classical influences, intricately carved details, and new materials.