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.

Bronze doré

A French 18th and 19th Century gilding technique of applying an amalgam of fine, high-carat gold with mercury to copper, brass, or most commonly bronze objects. The bronze is exposed to high heat in a kiln burning off the mercury leaving a thin gold coat behind that is adhered to the metal. Commonly used by the craftsmen, Fondeurs-ciseleurs (founders and finishers), for decorative mounts in furniture, clocks, candelabras, and porcelain. Due to the health hazards of mercury, the technique waned into the late 19th Century and was replaced by electroplating.

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.