French Provincial Models and Miniatures
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
Limoges France Oval Scalloped Porcelain Box With High Relief Rocaille Trim
By Limoges
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautiful Limoges porcelain oval scalloped shaped trinket box is handmade and hand painted in a soft mauve color and features high relief white rocaille and shell motif porcelain tri...
Category
Late 20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Miniature French Faux Bamboo Washstand with Mirror
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French miniature faux bamboo marble top doll furniture wash stand with pivoting vanity mirror. Made of pitch pine and cherry wood with a small drawer, towel bars ...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Marble
19th Century, French Faience Enameled Chinoiserie Table Top Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century, French Faience Enameled Chinoiserie Table Top Cabinet. A very fine french enameled cabinet with chinoiserie decoration to the exterior and a white enamel to interior. G...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Provincial Artist Mannequin
Located in Middleburg, VA
Unusual size, made of carved Beech with articulated joints and old patinated surface. These were designed to illustrate the human body's joints function. Made in Provence circa 1890....
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Beech
19th Century French Chestnut Diminutive Armoire
Located in High Point, NC
19th century chestnut miniature armoire from France. This is a wonderful piece of craftmanship, with a lovely crown following down to a case which is entirely raised panelled and peg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Chestnut
Miniature Doll-Size French Provincial Stained Fruitwood Antique Armoire Cabinet
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MINIATURE DOLL-SIZE STAINED FRUITWOOD ARMOIRE
Probably French, circa 1880-1910
Item # 403FPM02P
A very well-made doll-size miniature armoire from the turn of the century, the armoir...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Steel
Metal Eiffel Tower Decoration, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of brass decorations in the shape of the Eiffel tower conjures the romance of a voyage to Paris. Made in France in the 20th Century, the intricate lattice-work is rendered ...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
$300 / set
Miniature Wooden Cabinet from Nineteenth-Century France
Located in High Point, NC
This highly eclectic piece takes influences from baroque to gothic to empire styles, sporting oriental reminiscences. This small cabinet is a product of a time when Europe started to...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Large French Silvered Bronze Box Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered bronze poudrier box "Ammonite" by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997).
In the 1940s, Line Vautrin designed a series that was inspired by the shape of na...
Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
Silvered Bronze Box with Relief Cast Poem by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful jewelry box in silvered cast bronze by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). From a small special series, the designer created circa 1945-55. on which poems were cast in relief on the cover. Most existing examples features poems that are well-known. This poem, however, was not identified by us, and possibly is a creation of the artist herself. It is a very soulful prose (see the full poem in French below). Signed on the base as shown.
We have a gilt bronze box with the same relief cast poem that comes with a three-page Certification in French by Comite Line Vautrin, shown in some photos as well.
Reference: For other boxes with poems see "Line Vautrin Sculptor, Jeweller, Magician by Line Vautrin and Patrick Mauries, page 42.
"Les glaciers vagabonds qui ébranlent les murs
et les anges frileux qui cherchent un asile quand la nuit de décembre
anesthésie la ville t’effraient plus que les morts tutélaires et durs
Ils désertent pour toi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
French Line Vautrin Bronze Poem Box with Sonnet by Felix Arvers
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful jewelry box in gilt cast bronze by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). From a small special series, the designer created circa 1945-55. on which some French poems were cast in relief on the cover. This box features a well-known love poem "Sonnet" by Félix Arvers (1806 – 1850), widely considered as one of the most romantic French poems written about unrequited love and longing. Three out of four passages are shown on the lid except the third one. The box is lined with cork. There is a line on the back from casting, commonly seen in the boxes of the series.
Mon âme a son secret, ma vie a son mystère,
Un amour éternel en un moment conçu
Le mal est sans espoir, aussi j'ai dû le taire,
Et celle qui l'a fait n'en a jamais rien su.
Hélas ! j'aurai passé près d'elle inaperçu,
Toujours à ses côtés, et pourtant solitaire.
Et j'aurai jusqu'au bout fait mon temps sur la terre,
N'osant rien demander et n'ayant rien reçu.
Pour elle, quoique Dieu l'ait faite douce et tendre,
Elle suit son chemin, distraite et sans entendre
Ce murmure d'amour élevé sur ses pas.
À l'austère devoir, pieusement fidèle,
Elle dira, lisant ces vers tout remplis d'elle
" Quelle est donc cette femme ? " et ne comprendra pas.
A secret fills my soul, and a mystery fills my life,
An eternal love conceived in an instant.
As the scourge was hopeless, it remained wordless,
And the one responsible was unaware of it.
Alas! I lived close to her but without notice,
Always by her side yet so lonely.
And I shall have lived my days on this Earth,
Not daring to ask for anything, obtaining nothing.
Even though God made her gentle and tender,
She goes her way, careless and oblivious
To the sough of love rising...
Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
$13,500
H 1.125 in W 3.125 in D 3.125 in
Antique French 19th Century Jewelry Box Flap Door Miniature Wood Cabinet
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful French late 19th century chest of drawers in black ebonized wood and cherrywood reproduces with perfect proportions in scale a miniature cabinet with three drawers and an upper flap door that opens to reveal a white marble top and an oval mirror inside, nice hand carved band on top with geometrical pattern and molded base.
The black lacquered wood creates a wonderful contrast with the beautiful honey-colored wood grain. Despite its convenient size, extremely detailed, this chest of drawers is equipped with a white Carrara marble top and a small mirror that make it even more special and useful.
The model of a piece of furniture was originally created by cabinet makers to show their skills to the customer and to present the sample of the furniture which would then have been produced on a larger scale. These commode miniatures, along with other specimens, were displayed in the craftsman's workshop to serve as examples to aid the potential client in making a selection. Some also think that these little chests were used as doll and puppets...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Carrara Marble, Metal
$1,651
H 11.03 in W 10.24 in D 6.7 in
19th Century Dutch Miniature Secretaire Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
19th century miniature secretaire cabinet made from Oakwood.
Decorative object, can be used as jewelry/letter box.
Originates Netherlands, dating, circa 1800
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Oak
$1,698 Sale Price
40% Off
H 14.97 in W 14.18 in D 5.91 in
English Pathologist Box Made of Mahogany with Brass, Including Instruments
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Curious antique English box made of mahogany with brass details, inside which are the working instruments of a pathologist. The division of the interior of the box is covered in red ...
Category
19th Century British Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Brass
$587
H 4.14 in W 16.74 in D 7.68 in
19th Century Italian Wood Mannequin, Circa 1870-1880
Located in Milano, IT
Mannequin
Sculpted and carved wood
Italy or France, second half of the 19th century.
It measures 25.59 x 6.29 x 3.54 in (65.5 x 16 x 9 cm)
It weighs 2.2 lb circa (1 kg circa)
St...
Category
1870s Italian Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
French Miniature Armoire with Mirror in the Bamboo Style, 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French mirror door miniature wardrobe 1900 in the bamboo style,
It can be used has a bathroom cabinet.
Oil painted.
One door with a shelve inside and one drawer.
Good condition.
Shi...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Beech
Early 19th Century French Leather Books, Set of 6
Located in Ross, CA
Set of six French language leather bound books, gold foil stamped and embossed. Titled Oeuvres de Crebillion by Sterne, printed in Paris in 1802 and 1818.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Leather
Antique Victorian Miniature Cabinet Cupboard Rauch Engraving Maria Stiegen
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique black painted miniature cabinet with lower drawer, three interior shelves and door displaying an antique print by Carl Rauch titled Ansicht der Maria Stiegen Kirche in Wien (...
Category
19th Century Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Hardwood, Paint, Paper
$400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 15 in W 7 in D 9.75 in
19th Century French Automaton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous rare 19th century automaton. Most likely made in France at the end of the 19th century. She is a real beauty and in remarkable condition for her age. She is made of porcelain and cloth. When you wind her she bends her head and raises bouquet to smell the flowers. With the stand she is 15 1/2 inches high. Just herself measures 11 1/2 inches high. Approximately 5 1/2 inches in width and depth. There is a monogram on the back of her neck that appears to be the letter C...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
French 19th Century Needlepoint Prie Dieu
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century ebonized wood prie dieu upholstered in vibrant needlepoint. This dramatic prayer kneeler has a plush armrest rising from turned spindles forming an arched desig...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wool, Wood
Previously Available Items
19th Century French Table Top Sedan Chair Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Sedan Chair Vitrine Cabinet, Antique Upholstered Sedan Chair Vitrine Cabinet, French 19th Century, bombe shaped booth mounted with brocade ...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wool, Silk, Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Wooden Mini Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
A miniature chest of drawers made from wood and a marble top from 19th century France. A cheerful and charming find, its bright palette and small stature quietly make an aesthetic st...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Marble
Vintage Eiffel Tower Miniature
Located in High Point, NC
This brass decoration, in the shape of the Eiffel tower, conjures the romance of a voyage to Paris. Made in France in the 20th Century, the intricate lattice-work is rendered in perf...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
20th Century, French Brass Eiffel Tower Decorations, Pair
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of brass decorations in the shape of the Eiffel tower conjures the romance of a voyage to Paris. Made in France in the 20th Century, the intricate lattice-work is rendered ...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Miniature Commode
Located in High Point, NC
A 19th century miniature commode produced in France. An antique dark wood commode standing on dainty tapered feet, featuring three front drawers, a s...
Category
19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Bavent Yellow Tin-Glazed Terracotta Faïence Chicks, Normandie France, a Pair
By Bavent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming pair of tin-glazed terracotta Chicks from Bavent, Normadie, France circa 1900-1920.
Since the Middle Ages, Bavent is known for the rich clay that gives a rich and beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Terracotta
1930s Belgian Rustic Painted Bird Cage
Located in High Point, NC
An oversized bird cage from Belgium, carefully painted with a trompe l'oeil backdrop and fitted with a matching tree branch. The cage is constructed with traditional carpentry techni...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Zinc
French Provincial Carved Louis XV Style Miniature Commode, Early 19th Century
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This elaborately carved French Provincial commode is a true gem for lovers of miniature furniture. It features two short drawers above 2 long drawers all carved with scrolls, leaf wo...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
H 9.5 in W 12 in D 6.25 in
Faux Bamboo French Director's Armchair in Miniature with Original Fabric
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Miniature faux bamboo director's armchair carved from wood. The material with a green, red stripe on a natural ground is original. The chair was designed to fold, as the larger versi...
Category
1880s French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Textile, Wood
H 8.25 in W 5.25 in D 4.25 in
French Miniature Brittany Armoire, circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
French miniature armoire from Brittany with two doors in carved wood (Wheels and columns).
Category
1920s French Vintage French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Painted Miniature Portrait on Porcelain in a Brass Easel Frame
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand painted miniature portrait on porcelain is unsigned and unmarked, but presumed to have been made in France in approximately the...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
H 3.5 in W 2.25 in D 0.5 in
French Miniature Brittany Cradle
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French miniature cradle from Brittany made of dark stained oak and decorated with hand carved and incised details. Two finials re-glued.
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Oak
French Provincial models and miniatures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique French Provincial models and miniatures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage models and miniatures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial models and miniatures 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 models and miniatures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $5,950 while the average work can sell for $685.
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