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Louis XVI Sterling Silver

LOUIS XVI STYLE

Reflecting the final era of royal opulence before the upheaval of the French Revolution, antique Louis XVI furniture features more angular shapes than the Rococo curves of the Louis XV style, harkening back to the imposing grandeur of Louis XIV.

Dating between 1750 and 1800, an era that overlapped with the last king of France whose reign was cut short by the guillotine, Louis XVI furniture, known as the goût grec, is emblematic of the neoclassical revision that French furniture underwent during the second half of the 18th century.

Authentic Louis XVI furniture characteristics include clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This was informed by a burgeoning interest in antiquity in the 18th century, owing to new archaeological excavations at sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum. It largely eclipsed the more East Asian–influenced ornamentation of Louis XV for something more geometric and symmetrical.

The Louis XVI style was defined by what was being created for the palatial rooms at Versailles and Fontainebleau, particularly for the queen, with cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener being a favorite of Marie-Antoinette’s for his luxurious pieces accented with gilded bronze and marquetry. Furniture maker Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené was also a major designer of the period, with his pieces for the royal residences adorned with giltwood and neoclassical touches like tapered columns for chair legs and laurel leaf carvings. Cabinetmaker Adam Weisweiler occasionally incorporated into his furniture porcelain panels produced by Sèvres, a popular manufacturer of European ceramics that served the crown with serveware, vases and other decorative objects.

Find a collection of antique Louis XVI seating, tables, cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XVI
Henin - 2pc. Louis XVI Covered 950 Sterling Silver Vegetable Server - MINT !
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from a private chateau in France, a stunning, privately commissioned, 2-piece, Louis XVI antique French 950 covered sterling silver vegetable server (tureen) by internationall...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aucoc - 166pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver & Vermeil Flatware Set + Chest
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, A Magnificent 166pc. 950 Sterling Silver and Vermeil Flatware Set by Andre Aucoc "Silversmith to the Kings and Queens of Europe...
Category

1890s French Antique Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Goldsmith Christofle - Planter In Silver Bronze XIXth Century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rectangular silver bronze planter resting at the four corners on four pilasters decorated with masks and grooves. The perimeter decorated with a low frieze with ribbon and a high fri...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Odiot - 4pc. 19th Century 950 Sterling Silver Louis XVI Gravy Boat, Noble Crest
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, A Magnificent 4 pc. 19th Century 950 Sterling Silver Louis XVI Gravy Boat with Presentation Platter and Two Sterling Silver Inserts and Noble Crest by the World's Premier French Silversmith Jean-Baptiste Odiot, Absolutely Stunning - circa late 1800s. Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot, an illustrious French silversmith, significantly influenced the decorative arts in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His remarkable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and the opulence of his creations earned him an esteemed place amongst the royal and aristocratic patrons of his time. Born in 1763 in Paris, Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot was destined to be a silversmith, a craft that ran in his family. He apprenticed under his grandfather, Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, and later under the renowned silversmith Jean-Baptiste-Claude Roettiers. This training period was crucial as it grounded him in the traditional techniques of the trade while also exposing him to the evolving tastes of the French aristocracy, preparing him for a successful career. Odiot's work was marked by meticulous attention to detail and a robust embrace of the neoclassical style, which became prevalent in the late 18th century. His ability to blend artistic beauty with functional design set his pieces apart. Odiot introduced a range of innovative techniques in silverwork, including his use of the repoussé method to create intricate raised patterns, and chasing, to refine and detail these designs. His mastery over silver casting and gilding also allowed him to produce pieces with exceptional quality and durability, making them highly prized collectibles. The prestige of Jean-Baptiste Odiot was significantly enhanced by his association with European royalty. His rise to fame coincided with the period of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was an avid patron of the arts. Odiot received substantial commissions from the imperial family, including a famous 179-piece dinner service for Napoleon’s wedding to Marie-Louise of Austria in 1810. This patronage not only secured Odiot's financial success but also established his reputation as a purveyor of luxury goods suitable for the highest echelons of society. Recognition of Odiot's talent came not only from his royal and aristocratic patrons but also from various artistic institutions. He was awarded the Legion of Honour by Napoleon, a testament to his influence and status in the arts. Moreover, Odiot's participation in exhibitions, such as the Exposition des Produits de l'Industrie Française, garnered him critical acclaim, enhancing his stature and legacy in the decorative arts. Among Odiot's diverse oeuvre, his sterling silver gravy servers...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Louis Xvi sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XVI sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XVI sterling silver made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Franco Salimbeni, Gianmaria Buccellati, A. Aucoc, and Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co.. 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 sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $108,649 while the average work can sell for $4,015.

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