01. Back to antiquity
The style is named after Gustav III, king 1771–1792. It is the Swedish version of Neoclassicism, which turns its back on the curves of the Rococo and returns to the order of antiquity.
It is usually divided into two phases. High Gustavian, roughly 1772–1785, corresponds to the French Louis XVI style and keeps some of the Rococo's elegance. Late Gustavian, roughly 1785–1810, is stricter – smooth surfaces and restrained decoration.
In architecture it shows in light, symmetrical façades with classical details. Gustav III's Pavilion in Haga Park, designed by Olof Tempelman with interiors by Louis Masreliez, is a textbook example. Many country churches also receive Gustavian furnishings.
02. How to spot it
- 1.Straight lines and strict symmetry
- 2.Antique motifs: urns, laurel wreaths, garlands, bead and egg-and-dart mouldings
- 3.Light, cool colours – white, grey and pearl grey
- 4.Straight, fluted furniture legs instead of curved ones
- 5.Smooth, light façades with classical details
03. The giveaway
The legs. Straight, fluted furniture legs and straight lines in the joinery – where the Rococo curved, the Gustavian style goes straight.
Read the façade
04. Architects and builders
- Carl Fredric Adelcrantz
- Erik Palmstedt
- Olof Tempelman
- Louis Jean Desprez
05. Where to see it
- Gustav III's Pavilion, Haga Park, Solna
- Church interiors from the 1780s across the country
06. Often confused with
Karl Johan style. Its successor is heavier, darker and more decorated – with mahogany, gilding and Egyptian motifs.
Sources
- Svenska kyrkan, Folkungabygdens församling: "Stilar och epoker"
- Swedish Wikipedia: "Gustaviansk stil"