From the utilitarian mid-17th century cabinets to the playful curves of the Louis XV style and the straight lines of the late 18th century, the upcoming exhibition “The 18th aux sources du design: Furniture masterpieces from 1650-1790” at the Palace of Versailles will offer visitors a crash course on the evolution of early furniture design.

The exhibition aims to showcase the avant-garde nature of some of the techniques and shapes used at the time by presenting the 100 or so items of furniture against a contemporary backdrop rather than the ornate Versailles décor, showcasing each piece as a work of art on its own right.