France, Rome, and England: A Trio of Design Inspiration

We are delighted to share this superb quality George III Chippendale period carved mahogany open armchair that reflects English craftsmanship with inspiration from both Roman and French design sources.  The rectangular padded back, arms, and seat are upholstered in floral gros-point needlework, and the acanthus and shell-carved frame on foliate-cabriole legs terminate in scroll feet. …

French Fantasies Come to Life: The Designs of Charles Percier

Charles Percier was a French neoclassical architect and designer known for his bold and dramatic interiors.  He championed the Empire style and worked as the official architect to the Emperor Napoleon along with his contemporary Pierre-François Léonard Fontaine.  His Arc du Carrousel can still be seen at the entrance of the Tuileries Garden in Paris. …

The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Marquetry

It is hard to believe that today's post brings us halfway through our alphabetical tour of the decorative arts.  We will take a close look at one of the quintessential decorative styles of Georgian furniture: marquetry.  Marquetry is the term for inlaid work made from small pieces of wood or other materials to decorate the …