THE LANGUAGE OF BALANCE: Harmony is dependent upon proportion; it is the dominant element in all arts of design. The attempt to formulate laws of proportion was first made by the Greeks, through whose unique genius the whole realm of human thought and emotion found expression.
Design that Transcends What's in
and What's Out
By the middle of the 18th century, the rediscovery of ancient Greek art and architecture turned the artistic tastes of Europe in a new direction, which began the movement known as Neoclassical. A similar admiration came about for the art of ancient Rome via the excavations of the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii in the 1730s and 1740s respectively. The classical ideals of order and moderation which inspired this period, its realistically limited aspirations, and its emphasis on the common sense of society rather than individual imagination, could all be characterized as rational. And, indeed, it is often known as the Age of Reason.
Development of artistic forms is conjoined with the political movements of the era. Politics spawns stylistic innovations, setting the tone for a domestic style - one of elegance and simplicity. While the early 18th century Rococo style was associated with aristocracy, the neoclassical style emerged as a revolt against the ornate aesthetic qualities, condemning the aristocratic qualities rococo came to represent. Neoclassic is a return to a noble, more sober Classicism characterized by order, symmetry, and simplicity of style. The design is subtle; the statement is anything but. Neoclassical remains one of the most influential of all design styles.
Development of artistic forms is conjoined with the political movements of the era. Politics spawns stylistic innovations, setting the tone for a domestic style - one of elegance and simplicity. While the early 18th century Rococo style was associated with aristocracy, the neoclassical style emerged as a revolt against the ornate aesthetic qualities, condemning the aristocratic qualities rococo came to represent. Neoclassic is a return to a noble, more sober Classicism characterized by order, symmetry, and simplicity of style. The design is subtle; the statement is anything but. Neoclassical remains one of the most influential of all design styles.
France was first to embrace this new order of design, which is exemplified in three phases: Louis XVl , Directoire and Empire style. In England this new order of design corresponds with late Georgian and Regency periods, and the Federal period in newly formed United States of America. At similar time in northern Europe, Biedermeier furniture, an influential style of similar order, originated from Vienna to Stockholm, encompassing Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. There are, however, many regional variations to the furniture. Although the best Biedermeier furniture was produced between 1820 and 1830, the period is regarded as extending from 1815 to 1848. In continental Europe, however, the rediscovery of Biedermeirs at the end of the nineteenth century has exerted a virtually continuous influence upon architects and designers. This continued into the early years of the twentieth century, when it began to influence Josef Hoffmann, the Bauhaus school, Art Deco, Le Corbusier and others.
Today, these understated styles still remain time-proven pieces that never fade, bringing a classically based, yet fresh and modern aesthetic to a room. Collectors and designers across the globe favor the subtle elegance coupled with the ease to combine furniture of varying quality and provenance. Some designers excel in designing this way, creating interesting combinations and unexpected juxtapositions.
So, whether it’s the classic look or minimalist to modern - these classical styles stand the test
of time — exuding timeless elegance. Investment pieces which can be passed down through generations.