Rococo Torchères
Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
19th Century French Antique Rococo Torchères
Faience
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Walnut
1750s Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Iron
19th Century French Antique Rococo Torchères
Brass
Late 20th Century American Rococo Torchères
Wood
1950s European Vintage Rococo Torchères
Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Rococo Torchères
Iron, Wrought Iron
1830s Austrian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
1780s Austrian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
1810s Austrian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
1830s Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
1930s Swedish Vintage Rococo Torchères
Plywood, Pine
Mid-18th Century Austrian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
1770s Austrian Antique Rococo Torchères
Fir
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Beech
1880s European Antique Rococo Torchères
Giltwood
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Torchères
Wood