ABSTRACT
An ideal place to begin the discussion on construction principles is the 18th-century cabinetmaker’s shop a place of both creativity and productivity. The name of the assiduous cabinetmaker’s business was that of the owner, who was the determiner of design and aesthetic direction. Typically these shops flourished through generations—father, son, grandson, and great-grandson. This chapter centers on the 18th-century which had an unprecedented impact on furniture. Specifically looking at 18th-century French, English, and American furniture—a historical period defined by monarchs, the reign of George I through George III; in France, Louis XIV through Louis XVI; and comparable periods in American history. The chapter will discuss construction principles using pictorial examples that demonstrate various delineation approaches.
