Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
French Bronze Louis Philippe Period Inkwell and Bell Set, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
The shaped and footed platform or stand with a central carrying handle and three fitted sections housing two inkwells and a sandwell all with removable lids, extending outward from the stand is a hook with a servant bell.
19th Century Louis Philippe Inkwell in Red Marble and Gilt Bronze
Located in Roma, IT
A beautiful double inkwell mounted on a red marble from Verona base, resting on four gilt bronze pad feet. This product is located and shipped from Italy. This artwork is shipped ...
Marble, Bronze
$468Sale Price|20% Off
c1840 French Louis Philippe Crystal Inkwell. Beautiful and Rare by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1840 French Antique Louis Philippe Crystal Inkwell. 3 piece and a very rare item. Great accessory for your desk.
Crystal
$1,659Sale Price|25% Off
French Bronze and Siena Marble Antique Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
19th century inkstand with three jars crafted of patinated bronze, serving as inkwells. They are decorated with acanthus leaf and small flowers....
Siena Marble, Bronze
19th Century Lectern Louis-Philippe Period
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This Louis-Philippe period table lectern in cherrywood resting on four turned legs, has three positions for three different reading angles. France, circa 1840.
Cherry
Baccarat Rare Concentric Close Pack Mushroom Glass Paperweight
By Baccarat
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique French glass paperweight containing a close pack mushroom design by renowned glass makers Baccarat and dating from around 1850. The large and heavily made paperweight ...
Glass
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Inkwell from France, C. 1840
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Baccarat Inkwell
Located in Tampa, FL
A Baccarat crystal inkwell with decorated bronze. Circa 19th century, France. The interior is two inches deep and the opening is one inch wide.
Crystal
$5,000
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century French Crystal and Bronze Mounumental Inkwell. Signed. Escalier de Cristal Paris.
Crystal, Bronze
Baccarat French Blue Crystal Paperweight Decorative Object
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful multifaceted French paperweight in sapphire blue and clear crystal from luxury Maison, Baccarat, circa late-20th century, France. This clear crystal and sapphire blue pap...
Crystal
French Victorian Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders.
Bronze
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Baccarat Crystal Inkwell with Elaborate Sterling Silver Top
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This exquisite inkwell exhibits the mastery of Baccarat's workmanship. The molded crystal body is decorated in one of their more rare Classic patterns Moulure Russe with concentric swirling spirals...
Crystal
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 6.8 in D 3.2 in
Charles X Gothic Revival Gilt and Patinated Bronze and Siena Marble Inkwell
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of rectangular shape, decorated with gothic cathedral arcades, with two wells and two pen holders, raised on a Siena marble base raised on scrolled feet. Between the twelfth and six...
Siena Marble, Bronze
English Inlaid Boulle Inkwell on Chase Feet, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English Boulle brass inlaid one-drawer inkwell with original fluted glass brass capped ink bottles, decorative floral carrying handle and resting on original chased ball feet, Mid-19...
Sold
H 10.63 in W 16.54 in D 11.82 in
19th Century Large Bronze Inkwell Decorated with Fantastic Animals
Located in Paris, FR
Large patinated bronze inkstand, richly decorated with flowery rinceau, foliages, scrolls and fantastic animals. It opens by a wide central drawer (L 22 cm, P 15 cm) and two small si...
Bronze
Five Porcelain Inkwells, Naples, Italy, circa 1870
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Collection of five porcelain inkwells handcrafted in Naples in circa 1870, good conditions overall.
Ceramic
Finest Antique French Pink "Boulle" Inkwell / Desk Set, circa 1830
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite and rare antique inkstand / desk set made in France, circa 1830. Made from fine polished brass, it has pink enamel and Mother of Pearl worked into the brass in a bo...
Brass
19th Century French Inkwell
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French inkwell, Louis-Philippe period.
Marble, Bronze