LE LORRAIN, Louis-Joseph
(b. 1715, Paris, 1759, St. Petersburg)

Desk from the "Greek-style cabinet"

1756
Photo
Musée Condé, Chantilly

From the mid 18th century there was a shift in taste, the waning of Rococo and its offshoots was manifested through a veritable proselytising for "better taste." The first rumblings of a total reversal of values occurred when Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain designed a "Greek style" room (woodwork, furniture, medallions) for Lalive de Jully, who was in charge of introducing ambassadors at court. Dating from 1756, it represents a revealing symptom of change.




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