Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Gesso, Giltwood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Giltwood
1880s Italian Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Steel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Pottery
1790s Belgian Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
1890s French Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Metal
Early 20th Century Unknown Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Softwood
20th Century Unknown Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Leather
Late 20th Century Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic
Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Faience
19th Century Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Giltwood
19th Century French Antique Rococo Sculptures and Carvings
Brass