Directoire

The Directoire style covers a broad period from the Revolution of 1789  to 1804. Also know as the “Messidor” style - Messidor being the 10th month of the French Republican Calendar, named after the Latin word for harvest, “messis” -  t is not a finished and independent style in itself, but a transitional style, which formed a connecting link between the Louis XVI and Empire styles.

This is a period of austere mores. And the style that emerged was more severe, focusing on simple lines and geometry.

The Revolution and the Le Chapelier laws of 1791 barred guilds, trade unions and campagnonnage (as well as the right to strike ). Therefore anyone could open shop and freely produce art and objects, which unfortunately encouraged a decline in quality. Paradoxically no new styles emerged and furniture continued to follow a very classical style. A repetitive decorative element appeared: a carved diamond shape with a round palmette at its center and new shapes emerged such as chairs with rear legs, square of section, that curve outward.

During The Consulate which began November 9th 1799 by a coup d’état, Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul imposed his taste in the arts an dthi swas enhanced after his return from Egypt.

Mahogany wood dominated. Other materials such as polished steal or iron were also used.  

Porcelain facturies such as the Manufacture National de Sèvres and de Paris were very busy, and used a dominant of pastel hues in blues, greens, pinks, reds and golden.

The most famous interior designs of the last years of the Republic belonged to Madame Récamier, the designs for its furnishings having been chiefly under the guidance of Percier and Fontaine, the famous ornamentists.