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Louis XIV Scientific Instruments

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
Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century
By Butterfield Paris
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Signed Butterfield, Paris, mid-18th...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century
Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century

Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze barometer, after Torricelli. The circular patinated bronze face has the eight enameled plaques depicti...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer

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A Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century
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Antique French Leech 'Hirudines' Jar, with Portrait Medallion of Louis XIV
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Antique French Leech 'Hirudines' Jar, with Portrait Medallion of Louis XIV
Antique French Leech 'Hirudines' Jar, with Portrait Medallion of Louis XIV

Antique French Leech 'Hirudines' Jar, with Portrait Medallion of Louis XIV

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Louis Xiv scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV scientific instruments 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 scientific instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV scientific instruments 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 scientific instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $28,500 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $28,500.

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