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.
Very Large French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very large French Louis XV style ormolu mantel clock French, circa 1880 Measures: Height 98cm, width 50cm, depth 27cm This fine 19th century clock is unusually large, standing a...
Ormolu, Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Wood Table Clock, France, Late 19th Century
By Ecole Boulle
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze and wood table clock, France, late 19th century.
Bronze
19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany Clock on Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Finest quality palace size French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted mahogany clock on pedestal.
Bronze
$31,600Sale Price|20% Off
Large 18th Century French Louis XV Period Cartel Wall Clock Signed A. Gosselin
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine and large Early 18th Century French Louis XV period corne verte (green horn) and ormolu mounted cartel or wall clock. The impressive cartel rests on its original socle - wall mounted base. Signed on the original white enamel dial with hand painted Roman numerals within a hand blown glass door with ormolu trim and decorated with ornate bronze. Impressively chiseled or ciselé work throughout. Original gilding throughout, exquisite patina. The wonderful gilt bronze case is signed by the highly respected maitre ebeniste and clockmaker, A. Gosselin from Paris. It is surrounded by flowers and foliage. Antoine Gosselin ‘A. Gosselin’ (Antoine Gosselin 1731-1794, Paris, master in 1752). Antoine Gosselin who worked actively under Louis XV until the Revolution and was established in rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, in Paris. He hand crafted magnificent pieces that were at the time only reserved for the King. Clock is in very good antique condition and functions, but may need to be serviced again after shipping just as all clocks do. The ormolu Chinoiserie...
Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century French Boulle Gilt Bronze Wall Console Clock, Signed "Gribelin"
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 18th century French Boulle gilt bronze wall console cartel clock, signed "Gribelin" Cartouche-shaped cartel clock case with a narr...
Brass, Bronze, Other
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This wonderfully ornate gilt bronze mantel clock is covered with fine sculptural decoration, including female busts, architectural motifs and stylized foliage. With its wealth of cla...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
French Louis XV Style Bronze Three-Piece Garniture Clock Set
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Louis XV or Rococo style bronze mantel clock and a pair of five-light candelabra, France, 1920s. Decorated with floral and scrolled leaf motif throughout. Brass dial with indi...
Bronze
Clock, Cartel in Louis XV Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Clock, Cartel in Louis XV style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 45 cm, W: 22 cm, D: 14 cm.
Bronze
$28,950Sale Price / set|61% Off
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ebonized Cartel Clock and Barometer
By CAM Opticien
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and palatial pair of French 19th- 20th century Louis XV style ebonized and gilt bronze-mounted cartel clock and matching barometer by La Maison Cam Opticien. The pair sim...
Bronze
$6,895Sale Price|44% Off
19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Cartel Barometer by A. Crin, a Paris
By A. Crin à Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze figural Cartel Barometer by A. Crin, A Paris. The wall mounting cartel barometer crowned with a figure of a seated maiden a...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock by Balthazar
By Michel Baltazar
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock beautifully illustrates the classical myth of ‘The Abduction of Europa’. In this story, the god Zeus falls in love with a mortal woman called Europa. To seduce her, Zeus transforms himself into a white bull. Europa then mounts the bull and Zeus whisks her away from her home to Crete. Europa becomes the Queen of Crete and bears Zeus several children. The clock takes the form of a patinated bronze bull which is saddled with a gilt bronze (ormolu) clock case. This case features a circular white enamel dial with black Roman and Arabic Numerals, as well as the maker’s name ‘Michel Baltazar...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
18th Century French Large Vernis Martin Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Console
Located in Berlin, DE
18th century French large Vernis Martin gilt bronze cartel clock and console The impressive and large clock case decorated overall with very fine ‘Vernis Martin’ lacquer paint wit...
Bronze
French Three-Piece Tortoiseshell and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
French three-piece tortoiseshell and gilt bronze clock set French, late 19th century Clock: Height 55cm, width 26cm, depth 15cm Candelabra: Height 46cm, width 22cm, depth 20cm ...
Ormolu, Bronze
Pendulum Antique circa 1870 Wood with Gilded Bronze Mechanik Gustaf Becker
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendule of the early days, circa 1870 wood decorated with splendidly gilded bronze, work by Gustaf Becker clock with striking mechanism working with key a...
Oak
$9,600
H 15 in W 18.5 in D 5.5 in
Directoire Gilt-Bronze Marble Mounted Chariot Clock, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and delicate directoire style gilt-bronze marble mounted chariot clock. Exquisite bronze work depicting a winged charioteer guiding a pair of...
Marble, Bronze
$14,950Sale Price|21% Off
H 20 in W 19.13 in D 8 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Cherubs & Rooster Mantel Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze and white marble figural mantel clock. The finely chased ormolu body, with its original two-tone mercury gilt, centered with a circular enameled porcelain clock face with Roman and Arabic numeral dials and inscribed 'A. Thomas - Fabt de Bronze - 56, Rue de Turenne - Paris', surmounted with a pair of playful seated cherubs amidst clouds and wreaths, the case crowned with a figure of a Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$11,500
H 28 in W 16 in D 4 in
Allegorical Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock Depicting "Night and Day"
By Jacques Caffieri
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
The clock features a cartouche shaped case housing an hour and half-hour striking movement with a round white enamel dial, indicating the Roman numeral hours and the Arabic five-minute intervals by means of two pierced patinated bronze hands...
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Gilt Metal Mantel Clock
Located in Cheshire, GB
Late 19th-century French gilt metal mantel clock, surmounted with a classical figure, opposing a white enamel Roman numeral drum dial striking on a ...
Metal
$28,500 / set
H 29 in W 19.13 in D 9.75 in
A French 19th C. Louis XV Style Ormolu Cherub Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Assembled Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and White Marble Figural Mantel Clock and Candelabra Garniture Set. The finely chased ormolu clock body, with it...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Louis XV Style Mantel Clock
Located in Belmont, MA
Unique French 19th century mantel clock. This exquisite mantel clock has a Sevres porcelain dial plate and other Sevres porcelain decorations. The movement with spring suspension. ...
Ormolu
$7,500
H 21 in W 13 in D 8 in
Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Parcel-Gilt and Biscuit Porcelain Clock
Located in Long Island City, NY
A beautifully design late 19th century gilt bronze mounted parcel-gilt and biscuit porcelain mantel (fireplace) clock The front carved with Apollo riding his chariot. The bottom wit...
Bronze, Ormolu
Mantel Clock 18th Century Louis XV Period
Located in Warsaw, PL
This striking mantel clock is a fine example of the Empire style, a period characterized by its grandeur and inspiration from classical antiquity. The clock showcases a masterful com...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Boulle Longcase Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French boulle inlaid longcase clock, having wonderful scrolling gilded ormolu mounts, an ebonised case wit...
Brass
Louis XV Chinoiserie Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock by Raingo Freres
Located in New York, NY
French 19 century Louis XV style Chinoiserie motif gilt bronze cartel clock works signed Raingo Freres.
Bronze
Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mantel Clock Freres Paris
Located in New York, NY
Style of Robert Osmond, circa 1776. Movement signed 'Freres, Paris,' third quarter of the 19th century.
Bronze
$22,800
H 37 in W 21 in D 5 in
Austrian 18th Century Louis XVI Period Giltwood Cartel Blind Man’s Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality Austrian 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood cartel blind man's clock, circa 1740. The clock displays a most exquisitely carved case with intricately detailed scrolled designs, wheat sprigs and stunning blossoming flowers. At the top is the impressive urn with a large bouquet of abundant charming flowers. The white enamel clock face displays finely hand painted numbers with a second hand feature. The blind man function of this clock uses two separate sounding bells...
Giltwood
French 19th / 20th Century Bronze Cartel Clock, Figural, Dore
Located in Manhasset, NY
A French Bronze Wall, Cartel Clock Late 19th Century, Solid Bronze, Figural A fine solid bronze large and impressive Wall or Cartel Clock having porcelain Cartouche Roman numera...
Bronze, Steel
Beautiful Ormolu Cartel, Louis XV Style
Located in Paris, FR
Small gilded bronze cartel. Its rocaille decoration of animated foliage is of Louis XV style. It is adorned with an openwork pattern that uncovers a red velvet fabric. The dial is en...
Bronze
Very Important Cartel with Green Varnish Support
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very important cartel with green varnish support decorated with flowers and a scene of the wolf and the lamb. Gilt bronze, brass, Louis XV style,...
Wood
Antique French Porcelain and Gilt Mantel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Very pretty antique French clock set, consisting of the clock and two garnitures, all dating from circa 1890-1910 period. This whole set is in good original condition and the gilding...
Porcelain
Antique French Porcelain and Gilt Mantel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Very pretty antique French clock set, consisting of the clock & two garnitures, all dating from around the 1890-1910 period. This whole set is in good original condition & the gilding is a bit rubbed in places, which adds to the character. The porcelain is also in excellent condition & has hand painted decorations all over. The side garnitures have rams heads & laurels. The clock itself is all there, but right now is not working, so will need to go to a clock repairer...
Porcelain
Antique Italian Imperial Mantel Clock and Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Antique French or Italian style clock and two matching candelabras in excellent condition. The clock is called an Imperial Clock and the movement is by...
Marble
18th Century Louis XV Green Horn Cartel Clock
Located in Paris, FR
Louis XV cartel clock and wall console crafted of green horn and gilt bronze Rocaille decoration composed of foliated scrolls, flowers and vase. ...
Bronze
French Ormolu Cartel Clock, 19th Century by H&F Paris
By Cartel
Located in Cypress, CA
Magnificent quality 19th century French Louis XV style ormolu cartel clock with a mechanism signed by H&F Paris. The intricate ormolu body of the cartel clock is beautifully deco...
Ormolu, Enamel
Louis XV Style Patinated and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This opulent late-19th century mantel clock—with its profusion of C-scrolls and stylised foliage, as well as classical masks and dynamic sculptural figures—is clearly inspired by the luxury arts of the Louis XV period (1715-1174) in France. The mantel clock is crowned by a pair of patinated bronze sculptures of a cherub and young female figure. The woman (possibly the Roman goddess Flora) holds a gilt bronze (ormolu) bunch of flowers above her head, as though she is about to scatter them. The cherub affectionately gazes up at the woman and pours water from a gilt bronze urn. These figures perch on a gilt bronze pyramidal...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Sold
H 39.38 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Cartel Clock in Black Lacquered Wood with its Console, Neuchâtel, 18th Century
By Plan Ltd Neuchatel Switzerland
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Black lacquered wood and gilt highlights Cartel clock standing on four small gilt brass foot. Case with a gilt decor of foliage motifs, topped by an openwork balcony and crowned by a gilt bronze flowered acanthus leaf stalk motif. Fluted columns topped by covered pots and finished by stylized acorns framed the dial. A quadrangular hole surrounded by a beads frieze, under the dial, lets appear the pendulum. White background dial indicating hours in Roman numerals and minutes in Arabic numerals, all black enameled. Gilt bronze hands in a clover motif. A glass with a gilt guilloche bronze...
Wood
Sold
H 23.5 in W 26.5 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Louis XV Manner Ormolu and Marble Mantle Clock by Millet of Paris
Located in London, GB
A mantle clock in the Louis XV manner by Millet of Paris Constructed in white Carrara marble and gilt bronze; the rectangular form base having bowed ends, rises from gilt toupie f...
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Barbedienne Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
This spectacular gilt bronze mantel clock was expertly crafted by the celebrated French bronzeur Ferdinand Barbedienne. Designed in the extra...
Bronze