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Louis XIV Books

LOUIS XIV STYLE

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.

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Style: Louis XIV
Early 18th Century French Leather Bound Books Dated 1727-1748, Set of Nine
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a library or office with this set of large antique books. Dated from 1727 to 1748, and printed in Paris during the reign of King Louis XV, these important leather bound books features the following: French book titled Remarques Critiques sur le Dictionnaire de Bayle, "Première Partie: A-F," published in 1748. The book was printed in Paris by Hyppolite-Louis Guerin and in Dijon by Hermil-Andrea. It includes decorative typography and a royal privilege. 1- Oeuvres Diverses de Mr. Pierre Bayle, published in 1727 in The Hague (La Haye). The book is the third volume of Bayle’s works, focused on historical and critical topics. It was printed by multiple publishers, including P. Husson, T. Johnson, P. Gosse, and others, with a decorative vignette illustration. It bears the privilege of the States of Holland and West-Friesland. 2- Oeuvres Diverses de Mr. Pierre Bayle, the fourth volume (Tome Quatrième), published in 1731. The book includes a collection of Bayle’s works on theology, philosophy, criticism, history, and literature. It was printed in The Hague (La Haye) by multiple publishers, including P. Husson, J. Swart, H. Scheurleer, and others. A vignette featuring the figure of Minerva, symbolizing wisdom, adorns the page. The publication bears the privilege of the States of Holland and West-Friesland. 3- Oeuvres Diverses de Mr. Pierre Bayle, the fourth volume (Tome Troisieme), published in 1727. The book includes a collection of Bayle’s works on theology, philosophy, criticism, history, and literature. It was printed in The Hague (La Haye) by multiple publishers, including P. Husson, J. Swart, H. Scheurleer, and others. A vignette featuring the figure of Minerva, symbolizing wisdom, adorns the page. The publication bears the privilege of the States of Holland and West-Friesland. 4- Oeuvres Diverses de Mr. Pierre Bayle, the second volume (Tome Second), published in 1727. The page highlights Bayle's work on theology, philosophy, criticism, history, and literature. Printed in The Hague (La Haye) by several publishers including P. Husson, T. Johnson, P. Gosse, and others, it features a detailed vignette of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, along with scholarly and architectural motifs. The publication is authorized by the States of Holland and West-Friesland. 5- Dictionaire Historique et Critique by Pierre Bayle, fifth edition, published in 1734 in Amsterdam by the Compagnie des Libraires. It is the fifth volume (Tome Cinquième), covering entries S-Z. The edition is revised, corrected, and expanded with critical remarks, and includes the biography of the author by Mr. Des Maizeaux. The page features an illustrative vignette depicting a classical figure, possibly representing history or wisdom, teaching young students. 6- Dictionaire Historique et Critique by Pierre Bayle, fifth edition, published in 1734 by the Compagnie des Libraires in Amsterdam. It is the third volume (Tome Troisième), covering entries G-L. The edition is revised, corrected, and expanded with critical remarks and includes Bayle's biography by Mr. Des Maizeaux. The page also features an illustration of a classical figure seated with children, symbolizing education or wisdom, surrounded by books. The publication includes the privilege of the publisher. 7- Dictionaire Historique et Critique by Pierre Bayle, fifth edition, published in 1734 by the Compagnie des Libraires in Amsterdam. It is the second volume (Tome Second), covering entries B-F. The edition has been revised, corrected, and expanded with critical remarks, and includes Bayle's biography by Mr. Des Maizeaux. The page also features an engraved vignette of a seated classical figure, symbolizing knowledge or wisdom, teaching children with books...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Louvre Paris Great Museums of The World Hardcover 1986
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Louvre Paris Great Museums Of The World Hardcover by editor Ragghianti, Carlo Ludovico.Vintage 1967 'Louvre Paris: Great Museums of the World' Hardcover Book! This book was published...
Category

Late 20th Century French Louis XIV Books

Materials

Paper

Versailles Gardens Sculpture And Mythology By Jacques Girard 1st Ed. 1985 Book
By Vendome
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Versailles Gardens Sculpture And Mythology By Jacques Girard 1985. Discover the artistic splendor of the gardens of Versailles with the book "Versailles Gardens: Sculpture And Mythology" by Jacques Girard, 1st edition published in 1985. Large heavy collectible coffee table hardcover book A renowned photographer captures the grandeur, fantasy, history, and artwork of Louis XIV's spectacular gardens of Versailles. A beautiful book that explains fully the symbolic and historic gardens of Versailles, France. It was published in 1985 and 30 years later the photographic plates stand up to the test of time although there probably are more recent publications. The concept of Louis XIV and created by Le Notre, the greatest landscape architect, the gardens are a lasting tribute to the gods, nature and the marrying of these elements to architecture and design. “In 1664 a festival was held in the gardens which marked the beginning of the glorious era of Versailles”. The book has a complete and detailed map of the gardens and extensive commentary on the photographic plates and a full list of the sculptures and the artists. Published by The Vendome Press...
Category

Late 20th Century French Louis XIV Books

Materials

Paper

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Louis Xiv books for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV books for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage books created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV books made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original books, popular names associated with this style include and Vendome. 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 books differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $195 while the average work can sell for $195.

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