Chapter VI.

PALACE OF VERSAILLES: "Grand" and "Petit Trianon"--The three Styles of Louis XIV., XV., and XVI.--Colbert and Lebrun--André Charles Boule and his Work--Carved and Gilt Furniture--The Regency and its Influence--Alteration in Condition of French Society--Watteau, Lancret, and Boucher. Louis XV. FURNITURE: Famous Ébenistes--Vernis Martin Furniture--Caffieri and Gouthière Mountings--Sêvres Porcelain introduced into Cabinets--Gobelins Tapestry--The "Bureau du Roi." LOUIS XVI. AND MARIE ANTOINETTE: The Queen's Influence--The Painters Chardin and Greuze--More simple Designs--Characteristic Ornaments of Louis XVI. Furniture--Riesener's Work--Gouthière's Mountings--Specimens in the Louvre--The Hamilton Palace Sale--French influence upon the design of Furniture in other countries--The Jones Collection--Extract from "The Times".