France was not to be outdone by the Greek and Romans. From the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages to the resplendent Renaissance, the leafy motif blossomed across stone, artwork, textiles, sculpture, manuscripts, and carved furniture. Becoming particularly popular in the court appointments and furnishings of France's Fab Four — Louis XIII, XIV, XV, and XVI — the ornamental feature found in all four king's styles differed only in the details of the curls and swirls. 

French ébénistes and menuisiers all over France carved the acanthus leaf into their furniture designs, featuring the lovely leaf on the stiles of chairs, the knees of legs, corners of frames, and anywhere else their chisels could reach! The result? A design language that remains the hallmark of classical French style.