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.
$1,502Sale Price|20% Off
Boulle ta Table Clock in Wood and Brass from the Second Half of the 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Boulle Table Clock, with red background and brass inlays, brass dial with white enamel cartouches and black Roman numerals, crowned with rocailles and pendulum movement. Ø 31.5 cm ...
Brass
18th Century Louis XIV Italian Gilt Frames Pair of Oval Small Frames From Rome
Located in Milano, MI
From Italy Rome, a unique Louis XIV Pair of 1700s Italian Giled Terracotta Frames, they are almost a pair of similar form and age but with slight differences. The two lovely small oval frames were probably made for framing oval miniatures, they are empty now, come from a private Italian collection and can be used as mirrors. They are in good condition consistent with age, they are older than 300 years, with old restorations and minor losses in a few curls and small felures. See, closed-up picture details. It is more common to find these kinds of antique small frames...
Terracotta
$38,950Sale Price / set|48% Off
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Figural Ormolu Clock Garniture, Raingo Frers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and palatial French 19th century Louis XIV style figural ormolu three-piece clock and candelabra garniture suite, comprising of a gilt-bronze clock and a pair of ten-ligh...
Bronze
18th Century French Giltwood Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Important, beautiful gilded and carved wooden frame with typical 18th century French motifs Excellent condition Internal dimensions cm 20.8 x 26.8 This artwork, never before on the...
Wood
Fine French Ormolu Crown Frame with Tinted Photograph, circa 1890–1910
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine French Ormolu Crown Frame with Tinted Photograph, circa 1890–1910 A richly detailed French ormolu (gilt bronze) portrait frame, surmounted by a regal crown finial and finely de...
Ormolu
Antique Pair of Louis XIV Ormolu Jardinieres 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb 19th Century pair of Louis XIV Revival ormolu jardinieres, Circa 1870 in date. They are beautifully applied with with lion mask and loop handles, cast with strapwor...
Ormolu
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock After Andre-Charles Boulle
By A.D. Mougin
Located in New York, NY
Impressive antique (late 19th century) gilt bronze mantel clock in the Louis XIV style after the original model Andre-Charles Boulle (1643-1732), finely crafted by AD Mougin, circa 1...
Bronze
$880Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Iron Lock & Key
Located in Huntington, NY
17th century lock & key. Probably form a large cabinet or a door.
Iron
19th Century French Louis XIV Style Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century French rectangular boulle tea caddy. Tea caddy has original double tea compartments with covers. Outer portion of tea caddy features beau...
Wood
Pair of Italian Brevettato Brass Marble Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Brevettato bronze and marble candelabras.
Marble, Bronze
Pair French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Green Marble Lidded Urns
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Green Marble Lidded Urns Superb and most elegant pair of Louis XVI style ormolu mounted Verde Antico Marble lidded urns. Flanking the m...
Marble, Ormolu
Large 19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Clock Set, by Deniere, Paris
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large and impressive 19th century gilded ormolu and bronze Louis XVI style clock garniture, having a reclined classical lady reading, next to a white enamel clock face with an eigh...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Rose Garlands Photograph Frame
Located in New York, NY
Classic French Louis XVI style antique gilt bronze photograph frame 19th Century This beautiful French frame features a large, lovely ornate bow at the crest and rose garlands along ...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabra After André Charles Boulle
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) French gilt bronze 8-light candelabra after the original 14th century model by André Charles Boulle (1642-1732) measuring 24.5 inches tall, 16 inches w...
Bronze
A Large French Bronze Sculpture "Amalthea & Jupiter's Goat" after Pierre Julien
Located in Tarzana, CA
A large 19th century patinated bronze group titled: "Amalthea and Jupiter's Goat" after Pierre Julien (French 1731-1804) The goddess portrayed as nude but for drapery held across her breasts and falling to her lap, seated on the back of the goat with her right foot raised to rest on a rock outcrop. Signed: Julien Circa 1880. Height: 34" (86.3 cm) Width: 21" (53.3 cm) Depth: 15" (38.1 cm) Pierre Julien's model of Amalthée et la chèvre...
Bronze
$12,000Sale Price|47% Off
Large Scale Period Louis XIV Boulle Cartel Clock with Matching Plinth/Bracket
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Grand scale boulle Cartel clock and matching plinth, the ebonized wood case is embellished all-over with gilded bronze mounts (re-gilt). The medall...
Brass, Bronze
Louis XIV Style Bouillotte Table Lamp in Fine Silver on Bronze mood light LA CA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis XIV Style Bouillotte Table Lamp in Fine Silver on Bronze mood light LA CA . A very high end, large Side table lamp in fine silver on bronze. This table lamp has a center pipe...
Silver Plate, Bronze, Tin
Regulator Clock by Jean-Aimé Jacob and Adam Weisweiler
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important regulator clock beautifully demonstrates the heights of precision clockmaking. While regulator clocks are known for their incredible acc...
Ebony, Mahogany
Louis XIV Style Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Louis XIV style boulle tea caddy. Beautiful boulle has inlaid red and gold design on black lacquered background.. Features a double caddy...
Wood
Mercury and Fame on Pegasus Patinated Bronzes by Eugène Cornu, Circa 1880
By Eugène Cornu
Located in London, GB
Mercury and Fame Seated on Pegasus After Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720) Cast by Eugène Cornu (1827-1899) Mounted on Rouge de Languedoc marble bases, the patinated bronze sculptures r...
Bronze
Louis XVI Boulle mantel clock, 19th Century.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century French Louis XVI style Boulle mantel clock, having Father Time perched above the brass inlaid dome, scrolling foliate ormolu mounts, white enamel Rom...
Brass
19th Century French Boulle Mantle Clock In The Louis XIV Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine 19th century Louis XIV style ormolu and brass Boulle style mantel clock, in the manner of Martinot of Paris, the eight day movement striking the half hours on a bell, with key...
Brass, Ormolu
Pill Box shaped Louis XVI hand painted miniature Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant Pill Box in 925/1000 Sterling Silver Description:Elevate your collection with this exquisite shaped pill box, beautifully crafted from 925/1000 sterling silver and elegantly ...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Sèvres Porcelain Vases
By Jacob Petit
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensation and large scaled pair of French early 19th century Louis XVI st. Sèvres porcelain vases, signed Jacob Petit. The pair are rais...
Porcelain
Vintage King of Spades Porcelain Coaster Dish 1960s by Gloria Bavaria Germany
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage King of Spades Porcelain Coaster Dish 1960s by Gloria Bavaria Germany. This porcelain plate coaster is perfect for any collector or love...
Porcelain
French Louis XIV Boulle Marquetry Tortoiseshell Gilt Bronze Inkwell Desk Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and magnificent fine quality antique French gilt bronze ormolu mounted André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) style marquetry inlaid tortoise-shell sculptural encrier (inkstand). G...
Bronze, Ormolu, Brass
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Walnut Miniature Commode Jewelry Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a vanity or tabletop with this charming antique miniature commode jewelry box, crafted in France, circa 1920. Modeled in the Louis XIV taste, the petite chest features a gra...
Walnut
Pair Of French 17th Century Louis XIV Period Ormolu And Rock Crystal Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality pair of French 17th century Louis XIV period ormolu and rock crystal candelabras, circa 1680. Each eight arm girandole is raised by a circula...
Rock Crystal, Ormolu
Small French Bronze Mortar and Pestle with Fleur De Lys and Crown, Circa 1700
Located in Dallas, TX
This small bronze mortar and pestle are from France, circa 1700. The circular opening has several layers of molding, with the bottom three interrupted by a pair of open crowns on opp...
Bronze
Pair of turned brass candlesticks, Italy, 17th-18th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Pair of turned solid brass candlesticks, of Italian manufacture, dating from the late 17th to early 18th century. The two pieces are distinguished by a turned frame with alternating ...
Brass
Vintage Ashtrays Bavaria Germany Set of Two Hand-Painted Fine Porcelain
By Limoges, Cristalleries De Sevres
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-Painted Square Porcelain Ashtrays Bavaria, Germany. Set of two Bavaria Germany fine porcelain ashtrays with 24 k gilt floral accent and rim. Vintage porcelain ashtrays with Frag...
Porcelain
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700. The sundial is made for a latitude of 44° and could be used in places in the south of France such as Avignon and elsewhere along this parallel. The elaborately engraved base plate has a Roman chapter ring on which the gnomon (a triangular flap) casts its shadow. It is signed by the maker in the following manner: Butterfield A Paris. On one side is a glazed recessed compass with a blued steel hand to position the instrument in such a way that the time can be read. The hinged triangular gnomon is richly engraved and in the shape of a bird’s head. The folding gnomon and cut corners enable the dial to be carried in the pocket. The underside shows the latitudes of various Southern-French places in the relevant areas Its maker Michael Butterfield was an English instrument maker who based himself in 'Le Quay de l'Horloge' of Paris from circa 1685. These types of dials, often replicated by other makers, became known as Butterfield Dials...
Silver
$1,998 / set
Pair Louis XIV Candelsticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
Add an air of regal opulence to your space with these Louis XIV Candlesticks, a stunning example of 17th-18th century French craftsmanship. Characterized by their intricate detailing...
Bronze
19th Century French Louis XVI Carved Oak Wall Clock ~ Cartel
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XVI Wall Clock ~ Cartel was sculpted from solid old-growth quarter-sawn oak to create a work of art for your wall that was also originally designed to provi...
Brass
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality mid-19th century French Louis XIV st. ormolu clock. The clock is raised by four tapered fluted legs decorated with acanthus leaves. The scalloped shaped c...
Ormolu
Pair 19th Century French Cherub candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of French 19th Century gilded ormolu, patinated bronze and white marble, three branch candelabra. Each with a playful cherub holding the lights, mounted on white ...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bouillotte Side Table Lamp Mood Light Gilt Bronze Antique Dealer Los Angeles CA . VERY LARGE Louis XIV style bouillotte table lamp in fine gold color on bronze With a beautiful detai...
Metal, Bronze, Tin
Large Antique French Marble and Bronze Inkwell, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a stunning, large, antique French marble and gilt bronze double inkwell. The inkwells’ lids are hinged to the wells and have motifs of swirling leaves with berries culminatin...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique Louis XIV Styled Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Stylized Flowers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique candlesticks are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1880 and done in a Louis XIV style. The candlesticks are compose...
Bronze
Large French 17th Century Louis XIV Trivet
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th century French Louis XIV period trivet. It is used for heating up a pan or to keep it warm in front of the fire. In a good working condition.
Wrought Iron
$132,955Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Antique English Bronze Sculpture Equestrian Louis XIV Elkington & Co
Located in London, GB
Very Large Antique English Bronze Sculpture Equestrian Louis XIV Elkington & Co English, 19th Century Sculpture: Height 108cm, width 86cm, depth 43cm Base: Height 26cm, width 9...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
17th century Louis XIV Stone Garden Sculpture of Playing Children
Located in Troy, NY
Important and very charming stone group of children, one watching over his sleeping companion. Sculpted In the spirit of the "Marmousets" where, along the "Allee d'Eau", similar sto...
Limestone
Very Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon
Located in London, GB
Very large patinated bronze sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon French, 19th Century Height 109cm, width 87cm, depth 53cm This very large sculpture depicts the famous King Louis ...
Bronze
French 19th c. Louis XIV St. Bronze, Ormolu, & Boulle Statue Of King Louis XIV
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu, and Boulle statue of King Louis XIV. This wonderful statue is modeled after the statue of Louis XIV in the middle of the Place des Victoires, Paris. The statue is raised on a rectangular stepped Boulle pedestal with its Brass inlays atop a Tortoiseshell background within an ebony frame. This wonderfully detailed pedestal is also decorated with an upped and lower Ormolu Coeur-de-Rai band that serves as the plinth and capital. Atop the Boulle designed pedestal is a patinated Bronze rearing horse...
Bronze, Ormolu
Black Marble Mortar Graved Gp 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 18th-century black marble mortar with its pestle. The beautiful marble has a superb patina and is engraved "GP" underneath. This mortar is quite rare as it is sculpted and inc...
Marble
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Boulle Boîte À Bijouax, Signed Tahan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XIV st. Boulle Boîte à Bijoux, signed "Tahan - Fournisseur du Roi" (Royal cabinetmake...
Brass
$1,400 / set
Pair of Louis XIV Brass Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair Louis XIV brass candlesticks. Pair Italian Louis XIV period bulbous form candlesticks with weighted base on paw feet. Italy, circa 1700. Dimensions: 4.5" diameter x 5.5" H.
Brass
French Louis XV Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock
By A.D. Mougin
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) ormolu bronze mantel clock in the Louis XV/XVI style, finely modeled and cast, depicting Roman goddess and cherub with garland, standing on circular platform s...
Bronze
Limoges Porcelain Romantic Scene Box, Sevres Style, William Guerin & Co., France
By ULIM Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges Porcelain Romantic Scene Box, Sevres Style, William Guerin & Co., France An elegant and highly decorative Limoges porcelain lidded box, crafted by William Guerin & Co...
Porcelain
Clodion Signed Very Large and Heavy Bronze Clock, the Bronze is Gilded 19th Cent
Located in Madrid, ES
Very large and heavy bronze clock,the bronze is gilded and patinated. The work of the bronze i very fine quality. Signed:CLODION. 90 cm high and 50 kg aprox 19th century very go...
Bronze
Pair Of 19th Century Siena Marble & Ormolu Mounted Three Light Candelabra
Located in Dublin, IE
A beautiful pair of 19th century French Sienna Marble and ormolu candelabra, each with three out swept decorative leaf capped candleholders above a central tapering circular marble s...
Siena Marble, Ormolu
Fischer Budapest Majolica Jardinière Centerpiece Hungarian Art Pottery 19th C
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fischer Budapest Majolica Jardinière Centerpiece Hungarian Art Pottery Mid-19th Century An exceptional 19th-century Hungarian majolica jardinière, produced by the celebrated Fische...
Ceramic
Antique French Cartel Clock of Venus with Cherubs
By Jacques Caffieri
Located in London, GB
Antique French cartel clock of Venus with cherubs French, Late 19th Century Height 120cm, width 55cm, depth 20cm This remarkable cartel clock is inspired by an 18th-century desi...
Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Sevres style porcelain comport.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th Century French Sevres style porcelain comport, having scrolling foliate gilded ormolu handles, mouldings and base. The cobalt blue ground with gilt highlight...
Ormolu
Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Large gilded bronze clock with Louis XIV figure. Mechanism working with a pendulum and original key End 18th century beginning 19th century...
Bronze
Large Sevres style comport, circa 1880.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century French Sevres style porcelain and pierced gilded ormolu comport. Having a turquoise ground, with gilded highlights and an inset hand painted pan...
Ormolu
Louis XIV Style Lidded Urn on Pedestal
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb Louis XVI style lidded urn on pedestal. Great detail. An imposing presence for a garden. Pair available !!! Dimensions: Overall height 95" x 34" wide x 34" deep.
Composition
Coppia di Medaglioni in Marmo Profili di Papi fine XVII
Located in Pistoia, IT
Pair of marble medallions depicting the profiles of Popes Gregory VIII and Leo IX. Italia, bottega romana, fine XVII-inizi XVIII secolo. Gregorio VIII, nato Alberto di Morra (1100...
Marble
$609Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Brass Cachepot (circa 1700s)
Located in London, GB
Antique three-legged French brass cachepot (circa 1700s). This piece has a fascinating connection with historical figures. The crest on the side is a version of one belonging to the ...
Brass
Early 18th Century Italian Salvator Rosa Gilded Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Important “Salvator Rosa” gilded frame late 17th Century Frame with three rows of carvings Original gilding Central Italy Internal measurements Every item of our Gallery, upon ...
Wood