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Rococo Scientific Instruments

ROCOCO STYLE

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.

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Style: Rococo
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
By Charpentier et Cie
Located in London, GB
Designed in the French Rococo style, this clock and barometer set have been beautifully ornamented with scrolling foliate gilt bronze forms. The two are diamond shaped, with symmetri...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier
French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier

French Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer by Charpentier

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer
Located in London, GB
In their elaborate use of C-scrolls, putti figures, stylised acanthus leaves and flowers, this clock and barometer are clearly Rococo in their style. The Rococo came into fashion in ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer

Rococo Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
By E. Gleizes Paris
Located in London, GB
Gilt-bronze and Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer set by Gleizes French, 19th Century Height 115cm, width 30cm, depth 7cm In the Louis XV style, t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes

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Rococo scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Rococo 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 decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Rococo scientific instruments 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 scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include Charpentier et Cie, and E. Gleizes Paris. 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 $5,600 and tops out at $43,356 while the average work can sell for $18,632.

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