The Rococo term "Duchesse Brisee" refers to which style?

The Rococo term "Duchesse Brisee" refers to which style?

• A. Duchesse Brisee
• B. Canape Rococo
• C. Ormolu
• D. Boiserie

Answer: (A)

Duchesse Brisee is used to name a specific seating form in Rococo furniture. The phrase literally means “broken duchess,” and historians apply it to a particular type of canapé with a back that isn’t a single continuous curve, giving the piece a light, delicate silhouette that fits Rococo’s sinuous, ornamental character. It’s the exact style label for that form, rather than a generic term for upholstery, hardware, or paneling. That’s why this option is the best answer: the term itself designates the stylistic form, whereas the other choices point to different elements—Canape Rococo as a broad category of Rococo sofas, Ormolu as decorative gilding mounts, and Boiserie as wall paneling.

Duchesse Brisee is used to name a specific seating form in Rococo furniture. The phrase literally means “broken duchess,” and historians apply it to a particular type of canapé with a back that isn’t a single continuous curve, giving the piece a light, delicate silhouette that fits Rococo’s sinuous, ornamental character. It’s the exact style label for that form, rather than a generic term for upholstery, hardware, or paneling. That’s why this option is the best answer: the term itself designates the stylistic form, whereas the other choices point to different elements—Canape Rococo as a broad category of Rococo sofas, Ormolu as decorative gilding mounts, and Boiserie as wall paneling.