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.
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.
Ormolu
$13,850Sale Price|60% Off
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 ...
Copper
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 ...
Marble
$17,450
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in
Modern Metal Alloy Bas Relief Sculpture, Signed, Late 20th Century
Located in Beirut, LB
Sculpture by Alicia Penalba, bas relief in metal alloy, signed Alicia Penalba, dedicated from the back, dim: 60 x 60 cm. Penalba arrived in Paris in 1948, with a scholarship from t...
Metal
$685Sale Price|41% Off
H 14.57 in W 10.63 in D 2.17 in
French 18th/ 19th Century Painting of Maria with Baby Jesus On Metal
Located in Buisson, FR
Very attractive painting of Maria with the baby Jesus. Painted on metal. France circa 1800-1850 Weathered and small losses.
Metal
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...
Bronze
$1,434
H 11.82 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in
Gilded Bronze Rooster Sculpture After Arthur Comte DU PASSAGE – Allegorical
By Vicomte Du Passage
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This striking gilded bronze sculpture, after Arthur Comte DU PASSAGE (1838–1909), captures the powerful image of a proud rooster—France’s enduring national symbol—standing atop military elements and holding a flag. More than a decorative object, this piece serves as a bold allegory of resilience, victory, and national pride. The rooster, or le coq gaulois, has long represented the fighting spirit of France, particularly during the 19th century. Here, its defiant posture over weaponry and a banner evokes themes of triumph over adversity, honor in battle, and patriotic vigilance. Set atop a refined circular green marble base, the warm golden patina adds sophistication, making it a perfect acquisition for collectors of symbolic art, French historical motifs, or refined decorative bronzes. Ideal for classic interiors or as a conversation piece rich with cultural significance. Keywords: French bronze sculpture, Arthur Comte du Passage, antique rooster statue...
Marble, Bronze
$1,430Sale Price|35% Off
H 6 in W 4 in D 4 in
Allegorical French Art Nouveau Gilt & Patinated Bronze Lamp w/ Bust of Maiden
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely little lamp depicting a gilt bronze bust of a maiden looking into a stone room with bars certainly is an allegorical tale. Her distinct rich free flowing hair commands your attention. The room does light...
Bronze
Unavailable|$2,080
H 12.25 in W 4 in D 3 in
Venetian Bronze Statuette of St. Jerome, 18th/19th Century
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Bronze statuette of St. Jerome, or St Hieronymous, in the manner of the Venetian sculptor Alessandro Vittorio (1525-1608) by the lost wax technique of bronze casting, which leaves a ...
Marble, Bronze
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.
Bronze
19th Century French Majolica Pigeon Wall Pocket
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th century French Majolica Pigeon wall pocket. The pigeon have a pink ribbon and carry a white card.
Ceramic, Majolica
Gilt Bronze Scholar Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
A late 19th-early 20th century gilt bronze scholar sculpture.
Bronze
Very Large Copper Wall Plate Depiction Saint Martin on Horse in Relief
Located in Antwerp, BE
A very large hamered copper wall plate depiction Saint Martin on horse in relief. Signed A Louis. Early 20th century. Measures: Diameter 75 cm.
Copper
$575
H 8.5 in W 7 in D 0.25 in
Late 19th Century Dunmore Pottery Victorian Green Glazed Ceramic Wall Plaque
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th Century Dunmore Pottery Victorian Green Glazed Ceramic Wall Plaque. This plaque was produced by Dunmore Pottery located on the estate of the Earl of Dunmore in Stilingshire, Scotland and depicts woman and cherub...
Ceramic, Paint