Step into the Decorative Arts Room at Quinta das Cruzes in Funchal, Madeira, and experience the elegance of Chippendale furniture and English paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. This room beautifully captures the essence of a grand Madeiran estate during a time when British influence was at its peak.
Chippendale Furniture: A Legacy of Elegance
The furniture in this room, primarily from the second half of the 18th century, showcases the Chippendale style, named after the renowned English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). Chippendale’s designs, particularly popular in seated furniture, left a lasting impact on Madeiran cabinet-making, which often incorporated English models into its production.
Thomas Chippendale’s influential work, “The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker’s Director,” published in 1754, featured a collection of prints illustrating various furniture designs. These designs were widely admired by the ruling classes for their adaptability and elegance. The Chippendale style is characterised by its intricate carvings, graceful lines, and a blend of Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese influences.
The Funny Name: Chippendale and Modern Striptease
Interestingly, the name “Chippendale” has a modern association with the famous male striptease troupe, the Chippendales. Founded in 1979, the Chippendales were named after Thomas Chippendale to evoke a sense of elegance and class. The troupe became known for their distinctive upper body costume of a bow tie, collar, and shirt cuffs worn on an otherwise bare torso.
British Influence on Madeiran High Society
The close commercial ties between Madeira and England, established in the late 17th century through the wine trade, fostered the adoption of English models in Madeiran furniture from the mid-18th century onwards. This cultural exchange is evident in the Chippendale furniture displayed in the room, reflecting the high society’s preference for British styles.
Artistic Treasures on Display
The walls of the Decorative Arts Room are adorned with a diverse collection of oil paintings that document the passage of various artists through Madeira during the 19th century. These artworks, part of the Tourism cycle, focus on illustrating the island’s picturesque landscapes.
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