In recent years,the classic clean lines and true elegance of antique Swedish Gustavian furniture have become very popular. They have a life and a refinement that excites the eye and the patina that has built up as part of the finish over years of use lends them a sense of authenticity amongst today's mire of reproductions.So how did it begin and where did the influences come from?
The Gustavian period (1772-1792) followed the more florid excesses of the earlier swedish Rococo stylings under the patronage of King Carl Gustav III who had returned from an extended stay at the court of Louis XVI at Versailles. He travelled there as a young man and was heavily influenced by the pomp and glamour associated with the court of King Louis. In typical swedish fashion , the excesses of the french court were toned down and created a much more muted and elegant styling that we see so much of today.
The classic greys and off whites of the Gustavian colour palette set off the striking use of gold gilt most elegantly. While most people are familiar with grey Gustavian minimalism, the Gustavian public entertaining rooms were awash with amazing giltwood sofas,chairs,mirrors,chairs and cabinets in a swedish interpretation of the more ostentatious french Louis XVI styling.
You may also recognise the classic ribbed front pattern that appears on many grey/white Gustavian style cabinets as an intricate part of the design.
