Victorian Renaissance 1865-1895 The Renaissance Revival interior is distinctive for the imposing detail of its furniture, rather than the background that surrounds it. Walls, ceilings, and floor treatments are similar to those of the Rococo Revival, though the decorative motifs are more classical than naturalistic. Moldings and pilasters, Pompeiian-style painted panels or wallpaper, porcelain plaques and ormolu medallions evoke antiquity, adding pomp to accompany the clutter of furniture and objets. Polished wood floors are covered with machine-made, patterned carpet or imported Oriental rugs, not necessarily with any relation to the style of the furniture. At the tall windows, heavy tie-back curtains hang beneath elaborate lambrequins trimmed with loops, cords, or tassels. Textiles have more variety than in any previous period, thanks to new weaving machinery and roller-printing techniques, and the wallpaper might be hand-blocked French scenics, machine-made English patterns, or Japanese design. Walls in three parts—dado, center panel, and freize—are papered in classical patterns, or painted deep, muted tones, as backgrounds for a variety of framed artwork. Toward the end of the century the invention of the electric light revolutionizes interiors and lighting fixtures , making chandeliers less popular and increasing the use of individual lamps. The abundance of color and pattern reflects the riches of a thoroughly industrialized society, with schemes in rich, tertiary hues such a olive, terra cotta, and old gold. Renaissance Revival furniture includes familiar forms executed in a variety of wood, often elaborately ornamented. The distinctive three-section parlor cabinet, on a platform base, is flanked with columns or caryatids, and topped with pedestals for display. Sideboards, themselves imposing pieces, have shelves to show off china or collections. Furniture is customarily purchased in suites—a set sofa and chairs is crested with matched plaques and carving, and a mirror mounted to the bedroom dresser coordinates with the decoration on the bed. By the 1870’s in America, a furniture industry has developed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to make products for a broad consumer market that emulates the style of specialty goods produced by firms like Herter Brothers for a more elite market.
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