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French Provincial Weathervanes

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: French Provincial
Late 19th century, French Folk Art Copper Sailboat Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful and rare folk art copper sailboat weather-vane . A real unique find with gorgeous vert de gris patine. France, circa 1880-1900. Weathered , small losses and old repairs. P...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Late 19th century, French Folk Art Copper Sailboat Weathervane
Late 19th century, French Folk Art Copper Sailboat Weathervane

Late 19th century, French Folk Art Copper Sailboat Weathervane

Small 19th Century, Hand Forged Iron French Folk Art Rooster, Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Lovely and original small antique folk art hand forged rooster weathervane with an wonderful patine. A real unique find. France, circa 1800-1900. Weathered condition. measurements in...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Small 19th Century, Hand Forged Iron French Folk Art Rooster, Weathervane
Small 19th Century, Hand Forged Iron French Folk Art Rooster, Weathervane

Small 19th Century, Hand Forged Iron French Folk Art Rooster, Weathervane

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H 27.5 in W 35 in D 5 in
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H 20 in W 19 in D 1.75 in
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Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine French full bodied gilt copper rooster weathervane, with expressive face, fully formed tail and fantastic verdigris surface, on contemporary cast iron base
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19th Century French Rooster Weathervane
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H 34 in Dm 12 in
Previously Available Items
French Late 19th Century Zinc Rooster/Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and very rare zinc weathervane representing a rooster/cockerel. France, circa 1880-1900 Weathered, old repairs Measurement here below includes the wooden base.
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French Late 19th Century Zinc Rooster/Cockerel Weathervane
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French Provincial weathervanes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial weathervanes 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 weathervanes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, copper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial weathervanes 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 weathervanes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $386 and tops out at $4,948 while the average work can sell for $2,667.

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