Chers Amis de L’Ecole du Bon Gout! Bonjour! I have just finished reading
another tantalizing and amazingly perceptive book by Jean DeJean, entitled “How
Paris became PARIS”.
Of the many subjects she addresses in her portrait of 17th century Paris
becoming the worlds first modern city, under the inspired guidance of Louis XIV,
is the first ever urban street lighting! In 1662, after pioneering “torch
bearers for hire” on many streets, Louis XIV could see “safety and commercial
prosperity went hand in hand”. Therefore in the year 1667, he had installed
2736 candlelight lanterns positioned on 912 streets! Even though financing of
this was truly exorbitant, home and business owners happily paid the new tax to
support this project because the results were so very obvious!
Paris had become the safest and the most beautiful city in the world! The
original “Ville Lumiere” (City of Lights) SVP! The fallouts were far reaching
for all concerned! The city’s residents of all classes, incomes and stations
could mix and socialize safely after dark for the very first time, which equaled
increased business for shops, cafes, and restaurants . The “fashion industry”
got a huge boost too with the increased need of all the “greatest and latest”
finery with which to present oneself in this new nighttime venue of “mixing”.
By 1705, there were 5470 lanterns in use and Louis’ dream was a reality: a city
that was “a place dedicated to pleasure”, where it was “possible to eat and
drink in public establishments until all hours” and “even walk and dance” in
public till 4:00 in the morning!”
Louis’ dream for Paris being “a place of
pleasure” could also come true in your very own home! Night lighting is
transformative, changing the ambiance of a room from blah to truly MAGIC! I
recommend of course glorious antique French chandeliers, sconces, candelabras
and candle sticks for this transformation! Besides the diverse stock here now,
at the end of this month, the shipment will add 7 “new” chandeliers, 7 “new”
pairs of wall sconces, as well as a bevy of great 18th and 19th c candelabra and
candle sticks! So have Louis’ dream become a reality for you and make your own
house a true “Maison Lumiere”, elegant, sophisticated, luxurious and so
pleasurable to live and entertain in!
Mes
Amities, Robert E. Smith 337 332 2852 www.auvieuxparisantiques.com
Visit the Au Vieux Paris Antiques homepage (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)
