Louis XVI

King Louis-Auguste reigned in France between 1774 to 1793. The Louis XVI style was a return to classicism looking to Greek and Roman culture for inspiration. Characteristics of this style were architectural ornamentation, classic symmetry, geometric marquetry,decorative escutcheons, small mechanized elements, and the predominant use of mahogany with linear gilt bronze mounts that emphasized veneers. Decorative motifs such as garland swags, horns of plenty, vasiform shapes, olive leaves, and cone finials were common and often referencing historical styles.

Apron

A structural support placed at right angles to the underside of a shelf, chair seat, or table top to provide additional weight bearing strength and often decorative flourishes.

Festoon

A festoon is a Renaissance and Neoclassical motif of a wreath or garland hung from two points. In architecture, festoons typically depict flowers, leaves, ribbons, or fruit.

Relief

Relief work is a form of molded, carved or stamped decoration raised from the surface of a piece of furniture to form a pattern

Mahogany

Mahogany is a straight grained hard wood with silky texture, ranging in color from dark brown to red. Furniture made from mahogany became popular in Britain from Mid-18th Century on, spreading throughout Europe.