French furniture makers : the art of the ébéniste from Louis XIV to the Revolution

The eighteenth century in France saw the production of the world's most spectacular furniture. Curiously, there has been no major illustrated reference book for the general reader on this subject in over twenty-five years. This important new book fills that gap. An extensive introduction explains the organization and historical background of furniture makers of the period, traces the evolution of taste and style, and explores the roles of both architects and designers. The author concludes with a study of contemporary dealers and public auctions at the end of the eighteenth century. French Furniture Makers is illustrated with nearly 500 photographs, and includes a glossary of techical terms and a list of makers' marks reproduced to their actual size.