A "New" Treasury of the Louvre

Chers Amis de L’Ecole du Bon Gout,  Last month when I was in Paris, I had the great treat of visiting (for about 5 hours!) the newly reconfigured 18th c decorative arts galleries of the Musee Louvre. These had been closed and under renovation for almost a decade.

The Musee Louvre was actually begun in 1793 when the vast treasure troves, seized from France’s former ruling class, were then exhibited to the public.  The “cream” of this royal legacy, one of the greatest collections of 18th century bon gout in the world, can now be seen in these 35 sensational “new” rooms.  The collection of the period rooms as well as the objects displayed, begins with the last phases of Louis XIV and continues up till the Revolution. Because of the renowned decorator Jacques Garcia’s consultation, the display of this incomparable treasure is arranged in both 14 period room settings, as well as modern exhibition rooms with smaller objects on display in illuminated cases. Masterpieces include: furniture, clocks, scientific instrumentation, silver tableware, tapestries, porcelain, jewelry, etc.

The exhibit space was installed from scratch in part of what was Louis XIV’s splendid major 17th c addition to the Louvre which forms the “Cour Carree” at its eastern end .What I was taken most with was the extremely high level of quality of design, craftsmanship and condition of all items on view. Almost every top French 18th c furniture maker, metal worker and painter is represented in some of their most sumptuous commissions.

The visitor’s visual access to the objects as displayed is admirable in what had obviously been a challenging and complex “chess match” to compose. To give you a sense of the complexity of the design and construction of this new display, besides taking 9 years to complete, the total cost was 26 million euros ( $34,300,000 ) with $4 million coming from “The American Friends of the Louvre”.  All this, with many of the professionals involved , like M. Garcia, donating their time and talents svp!!

Cordialement, Robert E. Smith

337-332-2852

www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

More photos from the newly reopened decorative arts galleries of the Louvre

Visit the Au Vieux Paris Antiques homepage (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

The Forever Chic "Color": BLACK

Chers Amis de L'Ecole de Bon Gout, Bonjour d'Uzes!

This spring I had the pleasure of seeing at the Louvre an exhibition entitled : "Les Secrets de la Laque Francaise", which explored the popularity of lacquer work, imported from far East, starting in the 16th Century. These exotic imports spawned the development of European made copies and interpretations which continued for the next four centuries! Because much of this imported lacquer work was made with a black background, there developed an increased use of the color black in furniture and décor.

Painting a Louis XV game table black not only gave it the cachet of the exotic imported lacquer work of the East, but it also accented visually the curvaceous lines of its silhouette. Black also made a great contrasting background for glistening bronze doré mounts and fittings on furniture which were big contributors to the Louis XV style.

"Black" which is defined as "the result of the absence of, or the complete absorption of light", is of course a "color" which will easily mix and naturally combine with any other color.

See following 18th and 19th century antique items available from Au Vieux Paris Antiques, which utilize black to great advantage!!

Cordialement, 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)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

Exercise your creative expression by “accessorizing”!

Chers Amis de l’Ecole du Bon Gout, Bonjour d'Uzes! After enjoying Jean DeJean’s new book "PARIS", I decided to reread another of her books “The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion ,.......” ”.

Of the many topics she illuminates, I found the “new” 17th century development of “accessorizing” ones outfits most interesting. Certainly in women’s fashion and to a lessor degree today for men, the use of “accessories” gives the individual the freedom by which to exercise their innate creativity, individuality and really personalize their appearance.

What struck me is this same scenario is also at work in “accessorizing” a home!!! After acquiring a new home, the owner has a fairly “blank canvas” and using the furniture, lighting fixtures, carpets, drapes and art, he or she can personalize a one of a kind home statement! Also when time passes and you feel a need for a change at home, just like in your wardrobe, you change a few “accessories” for a new look and feel to suit your new desires for home living!

If you are in need of a bit of exercise in personal expression to up date your home to your new ideas for home expression, come see the new shipment just in at Au Vieux Paris Antiques SVP! See attached here photos of just a few “accessories” to get your creative juices flowing!!!

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)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

PARIS , The first modern city!

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)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com