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Louis XIV Busts

LOUIS XIV STYLE

As opposed to the styles that would follow from the other 18th-century French kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI, antique Louis XIV furniture is rigid and imposing. It expresses opulence — even its armchairs, with their upright backs, straight legs and lavish ornamentation, look like thrones. Authentic Louis XIV sofas, a then newly emerging iteration of seating, are fully upholstered and often feature decoratively carved frames of walnut, chestnut or oak.

When French King Louis XIV established his royal court at Versailles in 1682, he transformed what was once a hunting lodge into a palace that declared his wealth and power through its design. Until his death in 1715, he reigned with a spirit of excess and absolute political dominance. The “Sun King,” as he called himself, believed that France revolved around him as planets do the sun. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his emblem, decorating the grounds with symbols of the sun and Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. As he stated, “There is nothing that indicates more clearly the magnificence of great princes than their superb palaces and their precious furniture.” He was a child when he became king in 1643, only shaping his style after he became absolute monarch in 1661.

Reflecting trends in French Baroque art, Louis XIV furniture characteristics included exuberant decoration. There were gilded bronze details including shells, suns, grotesques, lions and classical references like acanthus leaves. The years of growth in the country’s manufacturing, such as the tapestries and cabinets made at Gobelins, led to design innovations. The commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk.

The materials were luxurious, such as the popular tortoiseshell veneer technique that leading cabinetmaker Pierre Golle used in his designs. André-Charles Boulle, who became royal cabinetmaker in 1672, was a masterful artist of marquetry, using inlays of ebony, exotic woods and mother-of-pearl.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIV bedroom furniture, chairs, tables and other pieces on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIV
19th Century Marble bust of Madame Récamier.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality classical 19th Century French marble sculpture of Madame Récamier. Jeanne Françoise Julie Adélaïde Récamier, known ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Busts

Materials

Marble

19th Century Marble bust of Madame Récamier.
19th Century Marble bust of Madame Récamier.

19th Century Marble bust of Madame Récamier.

Louis XIV Style Bust, Marble, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
The gentleman appears dressed in armor and headdress with long curly wig. The idealization, clothing and posture refer to examples of busts made in the environment of the court of Louis XIV (17101774) by artists such as Antoine Coysevox...
Category

20th Century European Louis XIV Busts

Materials

Marble

Louis XIV Style Bust, Marble, 20th Century
Louis XIV Style Bust, Marble, 20th Century

Louis XIV Style Bust, Marble, 20th Century

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Louis Xiv busts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV busts for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with marble, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV busts 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,779 and tops out at $8,500 while the average work can sell for $5,532.

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