On the evening of Thursday, March 24, Cybele Gontar gave a lecture in our second floor gallery explaining the origins of Creole and Acadian furniture in Louisiana. Beginning with a history of the migration of settlers from the French provinces of Canada, France, and the West Indies, she traced the evolution of stylistic markers associated with these regional furniture traditions. Pointing to specific themes and embellishments, she noted the influence of engravings on the decorative traditions in cabinetry in the Creole/Acadian style, as can be seen in this side-by-side comparison of a silver engraver's portrayal of a heron and an inlaid Louisiana armoire detail of a heron among the reeds.
Ms. Gontar also commented on various articles of furniture, such as armoires and campeche chairs, whose origins stem from the fusion of these styles and the styles of Anglo-American settlers. Of particular importance from the late 18th century forward were furniture importation and the population migration from the West Indies. Resulting from unstable social conditions, especially in Jamaica, many settlers with a French/Creole background migrated to New Orleans during the 17th and 18th centuries. Among these settlers was Jean Rousseau, a capable ébéniste (cabinetmaker) and a defining figure of New Orleans cabintery and of the Creole/Acadian tradition.
Ms. Gontar's lecture was informative and engaging. Afterward, a book signing was held for the new publication 'Furnishing Louisiana: Creole and Acadian Furniture 1735-1835. Hors d'oeurves evoking the flavor of New Orleans were passed as people enjoyed perusing the books and discussing the evening's lecture.
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