Louis XVI’s queen, Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) was instrumental in returning design focus to a style characterized by the elegance and of ancient Greek and Roman models, employing the use of ornate detail, precise shapes, light and refined color palettes, and symmetry.   She also loved all things frilly and floral, and her decorative style might be considered in today's world "over the top". The royal apartments in the palaces of Versailles, Fontainebleau, Tuileries, as well as other royal residences contain outstanding examples of beautiful designs that she loved.  No expense was spared to create elegant, refined and expertly crafted wares produced by the master craftsmen of the period in this period just prior to the French Revolution. 

 

Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold.

 

Dresden porcelain refers to hand-painted wares decorated and sold in the city of Dresden, Germany beginning in the 1700s.  The decorators often purchased white blanks from the nearly prominent Meissen factory.   Dresden pieces are highly decorated, epitomizing luxury and a fascination with natural landscapes.  The small floral designs, beautifully crafted and hand-painted, graced many antique objects in the 19th century, including light fixtures and chandeliers.