Skip to main content

Directoire Figurative Sculptures

DIRECTOIRE STYLE

Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.

Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.

Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.

Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.

Find a collection of antique ​​Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

to
1
2
1
1
1,748
1,536
1,249
494
485
326
307
221
201
168
141
89
73
55
49
47
27
23
2
1
1
2
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
2
2
2
Style: Directoire
French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and Rare French 18th-19th century Copper Overlaid Portrayal Relief Medallion of The Renown French Chemist ANTOINE LAVOISIER (1743-1794). The ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier

French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each child seated on an oval tasseled and draped plinth in the shape of a stool, one reading a book, the other thinking, symbolizing knowledge and philosophy.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

Related Items
French 19th Century Heavy Bronze Relief Plaque of 3 Cherubs
Located in Vero Beach, FL
French 19th Century Heavy Bronze Relief Plaque of 3 Cherubs This beautiful 19th century French bronze is a heavy oval plaque featuring three frolicking Cherubs. The high relief and ...
Category

19th Century Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Heavy Bronze Relief Plaque of 3 Cherubs
French 19th Century Heavy Bronze Relief Plaque of 3 Cherubs

French 19th Century Heavy Bronze Relief Plaque of 3 Cherubs

H 12.25 in W 10.25 in D 1 in
Pair of Bronze Cat Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool pair of bronze cat sculptures circa 1970s. They are in original condition with a fine patina and a few small dings and some surface scratche...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze Cat Sculptures
Pair of Bronze Cat Sculptures

Pair of Bronze Cat Sculptures

H 7 in W 12 in D 2 in
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze Relief Plaques With Children
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality pair of French 19th century gilt bronze (electrotype technique) relief plaques. Children in backyard farm, garden scene.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Gold Plate, Copper

Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze Relief Plaques With Children
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze Relief Plaques With Children

Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze Relief Plaques With Children

H 12.25 in W 13.25 in D 1 in
19th Century Renaissance Marble Relief
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century Renaissance marble relief. The relief is carved to the Renaissance taste and is in very good condition. It is framed in a later frame ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

19th Century Renaissance Marble Relief
19th Century Renaissance Marble Relief

19th Century Renaissance Marble Relief

H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 2.76 in
French 19th C. Acanthus-Carved Wood Wall Plaque
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French carved-wood plaque from the 19th century. This antique wall decoration from France features a rectangular-shaped frame, comprised of straight-boards, with center adorn in a hand-carved relief motif of scrolling acanthus leaves. There is a beautiful movement to this piece with the leaves dancing playfully about. This 19th century French carved-wood wall plaque...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

French 19th C. Acanthus-Carved Wood Wall Plaque
French 19th C. Acanthus-Carved Wood Wall Plaque

French 19th C. Acanthus-Carved Wood Wall Plaque

H 23.5 in W 44.75 in D 1.25 in
Pair of Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Dogs
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of gilt bronze dog sculptures. The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.
Category

1990s European Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Dogs
Pair of Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Dogs

Pair of Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Dogs

H 35.44 in W 15.75 in D 21.66 in
Erotic Copper Repoussé Relief of an Orgy with French Soldiers, Mid- 19th Century
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This rare and damaged copper repoussé relief 18 people in erotic play involving French soldiers of various rank and state of undress. The artwork has a horizontal crack across the center of the scene. The relief is backed by a sold bronze...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Erotic Copper Repoussé Relief of an Orgy with French Soldiers, Mid- 19th Century
Erotic Copper Repoussé Relief of an Orgy with French Soldiers, Mid- 19th Century

Erotic Copper Repoussé Relief of an Orgy with French Soldiers, Mid- 19th Century

H 4.75 in W 6.88 in D 0.25 in
19th Century French Historical Hammered Copper Relief Plaque
Located in Miami, FL
19th century, French hand-hammered plaque historicizing Vercingetorix receiving an award of recognition, circa 1850. Vercingetorix (82-46 BCE) was a French Gallic chieftain who ral...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

19th Century French Historical Hammered Copper Relief Plaque
19th Century French Historical Hammered Copper Relief Plaque

19th Century French Historical Hammered Copper Relief Plaque

H 10.25 in W 7.5 in D 0.25 in
Pair of 19th Century, French Copper Water Cans
Located in Buisson, FR
Stunning copper water cans with great patina. France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered, losses and old repairs. Great to use as decorative objects in or outside. Might have leaks.
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Pair of 19th Century, French Copper Water Cans
Pair of 19th Century, French Copper Water Cans

Pair of 19th Century, French Copper Water Cans

H 18.9 in W 21.26 in D 8.27 in
Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant pair of gilt bronze heron sculptures. The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons
Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons

Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons

H 69.3 in W 15.75 in D 21.66 in
19th Century French Renaissance Style Polished Iron Crest on Walnut Plaque
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study or a man's office with this elegant antique plaque. Crafted in France circa 1880, the wall decor features a coat of arms with a medieval royal knight...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Renaissance Style Polished Iron Crest on Walnut Plaque
19th Century French Renaissance Style Polished Iron Crest on Walnut Plaque

19th Century French Renaissance Style Polished Iron Crest on Walnut Plaque

H 31 in W 18.5 in D 2.5 in
19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque
19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque

19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque

H 15 in W 4.5 in D 45.5 in

Directoire figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with copper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $18,500 and tops out at $18,500 while the average work can sell for $18,500.

Recently Viewed

View All