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Louis XV Books

LOUIS XV STYLE

The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.

Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.

Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.

During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.

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Style: Louis XV
FRENCH STYLES: Furniture & Architecture - Bajot, Paris - 19th C. Folio Book
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique black cloth hardcover book w/ gilt lettering and decorated interior boards and end papers. FRENCH STYLES: Furniture and Architecture - 1500 Examples - Structural and Orname...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XV Books

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Paper

Art of the Chair in Eighteenth Century France, Bill G.B. Pallot, 1989
Located in San Francisco, CA
The eighteenth century French chair ranks among the most elegant of furniture forms, admired both for its beauty and for the essential role...
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1980s French Vintage Louis XV Books

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Paper

Le Mobilier Français Régence Louis XV by Claude-Paul Wiegant, 1st Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Le Mobilier Français Régence Louis XV by Claude-Paul Wiegant. Paris: Èditions Ch. Massin. French text. 1st Edition hardcover with dust jacket. 93 ...
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Late 20th Century French Louis XV Books

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Paper

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Early 20th Century Louis XV Books

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“The Paris Salons”, 1895-1914 Furniture ‘Book’
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'World Chronicle', 1st Edition, by Schedel & Wolgemut, Nurnberg, 1493
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'World Chronicle' 1st edition, by Schedel, Nurnberg, 1493 Original woodcut, one page with seven illustrations and Latin text By Hartmann Schedel, originally published: July 12, 1493 Illustrator: Michael...
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"Goodbye Picasso" by David Douglas Duncan, 1st Edition
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
"Goodbye Picasso" by David Douglas Duncan. Hardcover, 1st Edition, 1974.
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1970s Vintage Louis XV Books

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19th Century Hand Written Persian Book
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19th Century French Wood Miniature Antique Spiral Staircase Architectural Model
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Claude & Francoise - Xavier Lalanne: 2006 Krakoff, Kasmin, Brown - 1st Edition
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Tales of a Traveler by Geoffrey Crayon (Washington Irving) 2 Volumes 1st Edition
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Antique 19th Century Architectural Model of Cathedral
Located in South Salem, NY
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4 Antique 18th & 19th French Hard Back Leather Bound Books Paris France
Located in Dayton, OH
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Van Gogh a Retrospective 1986 1st Edition
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Louis Xv books for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XV books for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage books created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XV books made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for books differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $79 and tops out at $760 while the average work can sell for $420.

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