Furniture - European - Biedermeier (1815 - 1860)

Empire style furniture (and Regency in England) was largely made for the aristocracy. But the period after the Napoleonic period in the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw the rise of the middle classes, culminating in a series of revolutions in 1848. The style of furniture developed for the newly influential middle class became known as "Biedermeier" (originally a derogatory term similar in meaning to the English "plain Jane".).

The style was a simplified form of neo-classical, retaining the symmetry and proportion but with more restrained decoration. Columns and cornices were less used but the lyre motif became common. Much use was made of lighter coloured veneers, such as walnut, maple, birch and ash, in contract with the dark mahogany and rosewood used elsewhere. Inlays of contrasting woods and, later, brass, were often used. Early pieces tend to be simpler and more classical in style; later pieces after about 1840) were more curved and decorated.

 Biedermeier secretaire (Austrian 1820-25)

Read the rest of this entry »

 
 
 

Ceramics - European - Biedermeier (KPM)

The period after the Napoleonic period in the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw the rise of the middle classes, culminating in a series of revolutions in 1848. The style of porcelain developed for the newly influential middle class became known as "Biedermeier" (originally a derogatory term).

The Biedermeier style was a simplified version of the neo-classical style which had been dominant in Europe for the previous half century. It was characterised by simple outlines, flat surfaces, restrained decoration and gilding often enclosed in a coloured border. As the century progressed, the decoration became finer as it came to be used for display more than for everyday use.

 Royal Vienna plate

Read the rest of this entry »