Intime Xviiie Siècle

In the 18th century, the decorative arts became a major art form. Forms and uses multiplied, skills were perfected and there were more and more enthusiasts and collectors. This unprecedented development stemmed from a refined art of living, which made the decorative arts its preferred means of expression. Craftsmen, dealers and discerning collectors were behind some remarkable masterpieces.

Founded in 1972, Galerie Léage specialises in museum-quality 18th-century furniture and objets d'art. Its collection is widely recognised around the world for the rarity and historical interest of its pieces. Since 2020, the gallery has published Interludes on a variety of subjects, often illustrated with works from its collection. Gathered together in this book, they aim to describe the multiple artistic, societal and historical facets that underpin the decorative arts of this period.

The book is divided into four themes - sophistication, excellence, refinement and comfort - which provide a real insight into the interiors of homes, with close-up views of the furniture and objets d'art, the people who commissioned them and the people who made them. Double-page spreads offer a closer look at some remarkable objects, while others explain how cabinet-makers, woodworkers, ornamentalists, table-makers, bronzemakers and other dealers worked in their shops and workshops.