Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Louis XIV and the fashion for guéridons, stands in the form of Moors in chains

Two kneeling figures of chained Moors hold gilded shell-shaped dishes in a panelled interior beside a fireplace.

Stands in the form of Moors, for flowers, sculptures and victuals, were brought into fashion by Louis XIV; they are called guéridons (from the French for 'warlike'). Only it is not clear what is warlike about slaves in chains.

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