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Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Pair Of Terracotta Busts, Mary And Saint John, Italy 17th Centuryflag
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair Of Terracotta Busts, Mary And Saint John, Italy 17th Century Height is 50cm alone or 62 with the metal pedestal
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Terracotta

18th Century French Carved Walnut Oratoire Prayer Kneeler Cabinet from Burgundy
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique fruit wood "Prie-Dieu" prayer kneeler was crafted in the wine region of Burgundy, France, circa 1780. The prayer chair with arched top over a stepped cornice, is dressed with a back panel decorated with a blessed crucifix. The cabinet features a slant front Bible stand with raised stop; lifting the top, it reveals inside storage usually used for bibles, rosaries, missals or other biblical items...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

17th Century Italian Rare Carved Walnut Antique Kneeler
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare antique Italian kneeler, Mid-17th Century Louis XIV. Made of solid walnut with relief decoration carved into the wood. In the part dedicated to the knees there is a compartment. Of great value all the hand forged iron part of the escutcheons and fantastic large antique keys...
Category

Mid-17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Map Holy Land La Terre Sainte Engraved van Loon Published N de Fer 1703 French
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
La Terre Sainte, The Holy Land, Tiree Des Memoires De M.De.La Rue. Par N. de Fer. Geographe de Sa Majeste Catoliq et de Monseigneur le Dauphin. Avec Privil du Roi 1703 Detailed map of the Holy Land from Nicholas de Fer's L'Atlas Curieux ou le Monde. East is oriented at the top. MAKER Nicolas de Fer 1646-1720 The French cartographer and engraver, Nicolas de Fer, was a master at creating maps that were works of art. The maps that he published were printed during the Baroque period when the decorative arts were characterized by ornate detail. De Fer’s detailed maps and atlases were valued more for their decorative content than their geographical accuracy. Nicolas de Fer was born in 1646. His father, Antoine de Fer, owned a mapmaking firm. At the age of twelve, Nicolas was apprenticed to a Parisian engraver named Louis Spirinx. The family business was starting to decline when his father died in 1673. Nicolas de Fer’s mother, Genevieve, took over the business after the death of her husband. In 1687 the business was passed on to Nicolas and the profits increased after he took over the firm. Nicolas de Fer was a prolific cartographer who produced atlases and hundreds of single maps. He eventually became the official geographer to King Louis XIV of France and King Philip V...
Category

Early 1700s French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian 17th Century Giltwood Altarpiece Sculpture Hand Carved in High Relief
Located in Firenze, IT
This antique 17th century Louis XIV period Italian architectural altarpiece fragment is made of a masterfully sculpted rectangular solid wood panel...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Italian 18th Century Gilt Bronze Reliefs Christ and Virgin Mary after Girardon
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Gilt bronze reliefs of early 18th century, after François Girardon (1628-1715) The original model for these two profiles of the Virgin and Christ dates from 1691. These works...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Christ 18 ° Century in Oak, France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Christ from the 18th century in oak -France Very fine work of good quality Beautiful patina and in perfect condition.
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

French Louis XIV Oratory - Crucifixion Scene in Marquetry, circa 1700 France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Superb oratory in oak from the Louis XIV period. The lower part forming a drop-leaf desk, has a door with its original hinges and rests on a platform. In the upper part, the pediment...
Category

1690s French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Carved Wall Consoles
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Pair of 18th century painted carved wall consoles, Louis XIV style, French.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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17th-18th Century Italian Hand carved Wooden Reliquary Bust of a Saint
Located in Buisson, FR
Spectacular and very decorative piece. Large carved wooden reliquary bust of a Saint. Beautiful weathered paint and gilding. Small losses / old repairs and without the relics. Italy ...
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18th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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17th. Century Violin
Located in Perth, GB
17th century violin possibly Italian. Dendrochronology says some of the timber is 17th century. There is good voulme, resonance and and tone. We would be happy to send you a recordin...
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17th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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17th. Century Violin
17th. Century Violin
H 23 in W 8.5 in D 1.5 in
20th Century "The Last Supper" Metal Relief
Located in Miami, FL
"The Last Supper" metal relief.
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Early 20th Century European Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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Metal

20th Century "The Last Supper" Metal Relief
20th Century "The Last Supper" Metal Relief
H 24.02 in W 32.88 in D 1.58 in
Large Hand Carved Antique Sculpture of Apparition of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary
Located in Lisse, NL
One of a kind, large and marvelous work of religious art. With thanks to one of our honorable Frater clients we have learned that this unique and marvelously hand carved wall sculpture is a carving depicting the famous apparition of Jesus to the 17th century French Visitation nun, Saint Margaret Mary Alocoque. This probably is the scene in which He asks her to establish devotion to His Sacred Heart. We have never seen a sculpture of this subject matter and for us to have found one of this large size and of such quality more than made our day. Hand carved out of solid oak, both the details and the depth of this antique wall sculpture...
Category

19th Century European Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Antique Map of the Region of Beauvais in France, 1737
Located in Langweer, NL
Untitled map of the region of Beauvais, France. This map originates from 'Nieuw en beknopt Kaart-Boekje vertoonende de XVII. Nederlandse Provintien (..)'. Artists and Engravers: Au...
Category

18th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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Paper

Antique Map of the Old Land of Batavia and FriesLand, The Netherlands, 1697
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map Friesland titled 'Descriptio veteris Agri Batavi et Frisii (..)'. Old map of Friesland, the Netherlands. Depicts the old land of Batavia and Friesland. This map originate...
Category

17th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map Depiciting a Horizon or Hemisphere c.1703
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map depiciting a horizon/hemisphere. Printed for Scherer's 'Atlas Novus' (1702-1710). Artists and Engravers: Heinrich Scherer (1628-1704) was a Professor of Hebrew, Mathematics and Ethics at the University of Dillingen until about 1680. Thereafter he obtained important positions as Official Tutor to the Royal Princes...
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18th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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Paper

Antique Map of Ille et Vilaine ‘France’ by V. Levasseur, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Dépt. d'Ille et Vilaine'. Map of the French department of Ille et Vilaine. France. Its coastal area is famous for its seafood, and especially its oysters. The reg...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Landes ‘France’ by V. Levasseur, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Dépt. des Landes'. Map of the French department Landes, France. This area is known for its production of Chalossais, a white cow cheese with a gentle, acidic edge...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

17th Century Spanish Colonial Hispano-Philippine Carved Santo
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce 17th century Spanish Colonial carved wood santo with provenance from the National Museum of the Philippines Manila. circa late 1600s A large part of what makes this example so very rare is not just the age and condition, but the saint depicted, San Roque. The Hispano-Philippine (Spanish-Filipinos) hand carved hard wood religious altar figure presents splendidly, with scattered remnants of original gesso and polychrome pigments, the exceptionally sculpted religious folk art depicting San Roque (Saint Roch or Rocco), the 14th century Catholic patron saint frequently invoked against the plaque, various infectious disease, as well as patron saint of dogs, invalids, of falsely accused people, and of bachelors, amongst others. Provenance / Acquisition: Retaining registration - identification label to verso from The Republic of the Philippines (RP) National Museum of the Philippines Manila with hand written registration number. Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est. 1982, Austin, Texas. February 2022 catalog. Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 15.75" High, 5" Wide, 4" Deep. Figure: 14" High 1.5lbs Great original antique condition, especially considering it's around 350 years old. Nicely aged patina over the whole. Presented on a later wood plinth base. Typical loss to right arm, minor finish losses, old tiny metal plate added to prevent age related splitting, all wear consistent with age, and only adds to the overall sophisticated character, authenticity, and charming rustic warmth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love religious antiques, from an antique altar, church architectural salvaged building and ornamental elements, reliquary, tabernacle cabinet...
Category

17th Century Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Hardwood

19th Century Italian Relief Bronze Plaque of Jesus Christ
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Well crafted with a beautiful patina, 1890's bronze relief plaque of Jesus from Italy measuring 10" x 7.5" x .75".
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Christ Crucified Altar Sculpture
By Juan De Mesa
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Baroque Period Spanish altarpiece retablo / reredo, by (attributed) Luis Salvador Carmona (1708-1767), depicting thorn crowned Christ crucified / Cristo crucificado hand carved, polychromed wood with forged iron nails, mounted on later plaque. This rare antique religious work / object of art, circa 1750, most likely commissioned by the Catholic Church of Spain, destined to be prominently displayed as an altarpiece / retablo or as part of a much larger reredo, directly behind the main altar at a Spanish or Continental European Catholic Church (French, Italian, Iberian, Portuguese) The Crucified Christ, displayed mounted on a later faded red fabric upholstered shaped backboard plaque with textured gilt border. The exceptional hand sculpted, carved, gessoed, polychrome painted figure depicting bloodied Jesus, with crown of thorns atop his head, only wearing a undulating shaped cloth around his loin, arms extended and feet crossed, spear head form iron nails through both. The verso covered in an old paper printed backing with metal hook hardware at top for wall hanging. Dimensions (approx): Overall: 22" High, 14.5" Wide, 3.25" Deep Figure only: 16" High, 10" Wide, 3" Deep Historical background: Artist: (attrib) Luis Salvador Carmona (1708, Nava del Rey – 1767, Madrid) was a Spanish Baroque sculptor who came from a family of artists, including uncle of Manuel Salvador Carmona. He was sent to be trained in Madrid in the workshop of Juan Alonso...
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18th Century Spanish Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items
Early 18th Century, French, Leather Bound Books Dated 1738, Complete Set of Four
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a library, an office, or a coffee table with this complete suite of large antique books. Dated MDCCXXXVIII, or 1738, and printed in Paris ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Virgin and Child, 17th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Virgin and Child, 17th century Louis XIV period, walnut wood, France late 17th century Reliquary place Height: 38 cm ref 3239
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Virgin and Child, 17th century
Virgin and Child, 17th century
H 14.97 in Dm 4.73 in
17th Century French Leather Bound & Gilt Dictionary Books Dated 1694, Set of 4
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a library or an office with this complete suite of large antique dictionary books. Dated MDCXCIV, or 1694, these leather bound books with...
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Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Mid-18th Century French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Oratory Cabinet from Lyon
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique Arma Christi "Oratoire" in an entry or bedroom. Crafted in France, circa 1760, the fruitwood cabinet stands on short square front legs. The Provincial confiturier, features a slant lectern top with hinged front and raised book stop, decorated with hand carved two-tone star motif; lifting the top, it reveals inside storage usually reserved for bibles, rosaries, missals or other biblical items...
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Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

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Walnut

17th Century Giltwood Tabernacle from Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful giltwood tabernacle or reliquary was made in Italy during the 1600’s. Our tabernacle has a stepped crown molding and an arched top that is typically indicative of Catholic cabinets (as opposed to other Christian churches). The front façade is adorned with a diapered background beneath a series of scrolls, flowers, and curled leaves. Beneath the crown, a large cherub head, carved in low relief, sits atop a pair of wings and a curled ribbon. The eyes are directed down towards the tabernacle door. The door has a pair of nestling birds on top of an angular sunburst, known as “Vergina Sun”. The door opens on iron hinges to reveal a small interior cabinet, which was most likely used to store relics. Both sides have arched panels embellished with different décor. The right side of the tabernacle has a lozenge diaper background beneath a leaved grapevine. The opposite side has similar diaper underneath a bundle of wheat that stands on top of a book. Our 17th century giltwood tabernacle from Italy can still be used as a religious reliquary...
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17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

17th Century Giltwood Tabernacle from Italy
17th Century Giltwood Tabernacle from Italy
H 23.375 in W 18.5 in D 11.5 in
18th Century French Louis XIV Carved Oak Reliquary with Monstrance Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and petite antique church cabinet was crafted in France, circa 1780; the cabinet stands on small bun feet and features a single door with arched top decorated with hand carved catholic motifs including a center monstrance with grape, wheat and sun. The religious reliquary...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Mid-18th Century Carved Oak Wall Sculpture with Kingdom of France Coat of Arms
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's study or an over door with this important antique carving. Crafted in France circa 1650 and made of oakwood, the six foot carved piece features two winged angels wit...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Set of Three 17th Century French Leather Bound Decorative Books Dated 1692-1700
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a library or an office with these three large antique law books. Dated respectively 1692, 1699 and 1700, these leather bound books called "J...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

17th Century Louis XIV Walnut Italian Faldstool Religious Lombard, 1690s
Located in Roma, RM
Faldstool Lombardo, northern Italy, in walnut wood, very large in size, late 17th century. In excellent structural condition.
Category

1690s Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

18th Century French Carved Chestnut Prayer Chair with Aubusson Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique fruitwood Prie-Dieu (or prayer chair), was crafted in France, circa 1790; the bench features four nicely carved turned legs with a bottom stretcher and a platform to res...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tapestry, Chestnut, Oak

Louis XIV Royal Presentation Sword
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally rare silver gilt sword was presented by the French King Louis XIV to Alain Porée, Captain of the Corsairs, for his role in defending Saint-Malo against the English in 1693. Adorned with portraits of King Louis XIV and Alain Porée on the guard, this is one of two Royal swords presented to the legendary corsair by a French King; the second was awarded to him in 1730 by Louis XV. Considered an exceptional honor, these two presentation swords...
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18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Louis XIV Royal Presentation Sword
Louis XIV Royal Presentation Sword
H 4.5 in W 40.5 in D 6.5 in
17th Century French Hand-Carved Shell Basin with Original Painted Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully carved antique Louis XIV period shell from France, circa 1680. Found in a French chapel in Provence, this piece of art, called "baptismal font", was used to hold water du...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paint, Wood

Louis Xiv collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, 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 collectibles and curiosities 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 $28,500 while the average work can sell for $3,209.

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