The antique-furniture universe is filled with terms or phrases that sound similar, but actually refer to different things. Periodically we examine a pair of these "soundalikes", and give you succinct explanations of what they mean, how they differ, and how not to confuse them.
Régence Vs. Regency
Both terms have the same literal meaning, "régence" being the French word for "regency." And both lend their name to a brief historical period when a substitute reigned in place of a king. Despite these similarities, however, Régence and Regency do not refer to the same thing in antique furniture. In fact, a century and a Channel separate them.
First, the French: Régence
Régence - also known as French Regency, just to complicate matters further - refers to an era in early 18th-century France, when Philippe, duke of Orléans, ruled the country for his grand-nephew, Louis XV (who was only five years old when he inherited the throne). The Régence officially ran from 1715-1723, though - as is typical with antique furniture periods - the Régence style might be applied to a slightly broader time range: the 1710s to 1730.
Régence is a transitional style, between the Baroque that characterized Louis XIV's reign and the Rococo that flourished after Louis XV assumed power. Furniture became lighter, more delicate and sinuous in shape, with curved chair backs and bulging panels. It also became more ornate. Bombé and serpentine-shaped chests, loose-cushioned armchairs and the use of caning all developed during this period.
Other characteristics of Régence style:
- Slender, cabriole legs
- Ornate feet, such as hoof feet
- Ormolu and marble accents
- Woods: Walnut or oak for the body; walnut and rosewood veneers
- Motifs: mythological (monsters, dragons), Chinoiserie, floral, shells
- Prominent use of C- and S-shaped scrolls
Over to England: Regency
The Regency refers to the period in Great Britain when George, Prince of Wales, assumed control of the country after his father King George III was deemed mentally unfit to rule. It officially lasted from 1811 to 1820, when the old king died and the Regent became King George IV. In stylistic terms, however, British furniture from approximately 1800 to 1837 might be labeled Regency.
Regency furniture continues the Neoclassical style that influenced the work of designers like Hepplewhite and Sheraton in the previous century. However, it didn't just adapt motifs from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian furniture - it actually tried to duplicate the furniture: Greek klismos chairs, Roman curule chairs, monopodium tables and scrolled-end couches (known as "Grecian daybeds") all became popular pieces. In general, Regency furniture is dark, massive and monumental, but it also posses simple, geometric shapes - curvilinear or straight lines that form a sharp, clean-edged silhouette.
Other characteristics of Regency style:
- Extensive brass inlay and ormolu accents
- Column-shaped, saber, and X-shaped legs
- Claw-and-ball, and paw feet
- Woods: mahogany, rosewood for the base; rosewood, zebrawood veneers
- Motifs from Antiquity: lyres, laurel wreaths, acanthus leaves, mythological creatures (Sphinx, griffins) and gods
So, while they sound almost identical, Régence and Regency furniture are decidedly different styles. If you're looking for counterparts:
- British Queen Anne and late William and Mary styles are contemporary to Régence
- French Empire style corresponds to Regency