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Louis XV Historical Memorabilia

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.

Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XV
19th Century French Hand Carved and Hand Painted Sedan Chair in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th Century French sedan chair made of hand carved gilded wood hand painted with music trophy, wedding rings at the back and lots of flowers all ar...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Louis XV Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Hand Carved and Hand Painted Sedan Chair in Louis XV Style
19th Century French Hand Carved and Hand Painted Sedan Chair in Louis XV Style

19th Century French Hand Carved and Hand Painted Sedan Chair in Louis XV Style

Stamp Seal With Noble Blazon Coat Of Arms, 18th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
An important noble 18th century wax seal in wrought iron and brass, old patina, height 4 cm, surface of the stamp 3.2 x 3.4 cm
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XV Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass, Iron

Stamp Seal With Noble Blazon Coat Of Arms, 18th century
Stamp Seal With Noble Blazon Coat Of Arms, 18th century

Stamp Seal With Noble Blazon Coat Of Arms, 18th century

18th Century Pewter Plate With Important Coat Of Arms, dated 1721
Located in Bilzen, BE
18th century pewter plate dated 1721 and engraved with an important coat of arms. Makers marks on the back Diameter, 23.8 x 23.7 cm.
Category

1720s Belgian Antique Louis XV Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Pewter

18th Century Pewter Plate With Important Coat Of Arms, dated 1721
18th Century Pewter Plate With Important Coat Of Arms, dated 1721

18th Century Pewter Plate With Important Coat Of Arms, dated 1721

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Louis Xv historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XV historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage historical memorabilia created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XV historical memorabilia made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original historical memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, and Maison Mercier Frères. 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 historical memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $77,630 while the average work can sell for $1,200.

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