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Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

LOUIS XVI STYLE

Reflecting the final era of royal opulence before the upheaval of the French Revolution, antique Louis XVI furniture features more angular shapes than the Rococo curves of the Louis XV style, harkening back to the imposing grandeur of Louis XIV.

Dating between 1750 and 1800, an era that overlapped with the last king of France whose reign was cut short by the guillotine, Louis XVI furniture, known as the goût grec, is emblematic of the neoclassical revision that French furniture underwent during the second half of the 18th century.

Authentic Louis XVI furniture characteristics include clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This was informed by a burgeoning interest in antiquity in the 18th century, owing to new archaeological excavations at sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum. It largely eclipsed the more East Asian–influenced ornamentation of Louis XV for something more geometric and symmetrical.

The Louis XVI style was defined by what was being created for the palatial rooms at Versailles and Fontainebleau, particularly for the queen, with cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener being a favorite of Marie-Antoinette’s for his luxurious pieces accented with gilded bronze and marquetry. Furniture maker Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené was also a major designer of the period, with his pieces for the royal residences adorned with giltwood and neoclassical touches like tapered columns for chair legs and laurel leaf carvings. Cabinetmaker Adam Weisweiler occasionally incorporated into his furniture porcelain panels produced by Sèvres, a popular manufacturer of European ceramics that served the crown with serveware, vases and other decorative objects.

Find a collection of antique Louis XVI seating, tables, cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XVI
Color:  Brown
Portrait Miniature Jean-Baptiste Couvelet, French, 1772-1830
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). A girl, head and shoulders, her da...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

18th Century Louis XVI Giltwood Wall Barometer
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A beautifully carved and giltwood 18th century Louis XVI wall barometer having its original mercury tube and mechanism but presently with the mercury missing.    
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Silver Brass Pocket Sundial Compass French, circa 1780
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). Silver brass octagonal dial with fo...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Brass

19th Century Meissen Porcelain: Empress Catherine ii of Russia's Favorite Dog
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Meissen Porcelain Model Of Empress Catherine II Of Russia's Favorite Dog (Russisches Windspiel). This delightful 19th-century Meissen porcelain model depicts Empress C...
Category

1860s German Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Rare and Unusual 19th Century Louis XVI Style Dog/ Doll Bed or Baby Crib
Located in Buchanan, MI
Rare and unusual 19th century Louis XVI style dog/ doll bed or baby crib. The ultimate in luxury for your little furry friend.
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Parisian Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This lovely giltwood barometer and thermometer was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period in Paris, France. During the late 1700’s, barometers were typically only owned by wealthy f...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

18th Century French Louis XVI Period Gilded Barometer by Evangelista Torricelli
By Evangelista Torricelli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France. The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Miniature Louis XVI Style Fauteuil
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th century antique reproduction miniature fauteuil made in the French Louis XVI style. The armchair has an oval back carved with ribbon detail and a bowknot at the crest. The arms ...
Category

Late 20th Century Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Satin, Wood

Set of a Barometer and a Clock, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of a barometer and a clock, 19th century Set of a barometer and a clock in carved wood, from the 19th century, Louis XVI style, Napoleon III period, great decoration. The mechanism of the clock is missing, but it is possible on request to put an old clock...
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1870s European Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

18th Century Altar Modell, South Germany, with Original Painting, Wood
Located in Epfach, DE
18th century Altar Modell, South Germany, with original painting, wood A rare altar model with original painting, in the middle Jesus Christus and on the top God the father and two...
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Late 18th Century German Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

French Late 19th Century Louis XVI St. Giltwood Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and decorative French late 19th century Louis XVI st. giltwood barometer. Fine carvings of scrolls and foliate throughout with a lyre shape above the painted barometer...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

French 18th Century Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer Thermometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and extremely decorative French 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood barometer thermometer. The most decorative barometer thermometer retains its original glass pane enc...
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18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Parquetry Inlaid Piano by François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An important gilt-bronze mounted parquetry inlaid piano a queue, by François Linke, the Movement by Erard.  Signed 'F.Linke' on the keyboard cover mold...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Style GBaby Grand Piano by Gaveau à Paris
By Gaveau
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted baby grand Piano by Gaveau à Paris. Serial number 67874. This fine baby grand piano has a quarter-veneered top with a stiff leaf cas...
Category

1910s French Vintage Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer
By Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent nearly 250 year old Louis XVI period (1774–1793) hand carved and painted parcel gilt French wall thermometer and barometer signed Carcano. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the second half of the 18th century, exceptionally executed in Neoclassical inspired opulent period King Louis 16th taste. Impressive large size and fine quality craftsmanship, richly detailed, sculpted, polychrome decorated wooden case, surmounted by an ornate carved pineapple topped urn finial, garnished with a single garland swag, over a contoured and rounded solid wood frame creating a most elegant elongated banjo cartel clock silhouette, adorned with brilliant water gilded running ornamentation, outlining the beautifully aged light and airy muted pale green paint finish. Featuring the original hand decorated enamel dial signed Antonio Carcano (1755-1820) a distinguished scientific instrument inventor. The dial is signed: "Jofeph" "Carcano" "Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis"  "Fripiere au phenix" Having a hand-blown glass thermometer retaining remnants of the hand-painted paper label inscribed with atmospheric condition details, over an early barometer with hand painted dial and metal hands, protected behind convex glazed glass face. Mechanical: The wooden planked verso is fitted with an open channel that retains the original mechanical components, including a pair of liquid metal mercury filled glass tubes, vacuum mechanism, long column blown glass tube, stringing, and more. It does not appear to be working / operational, the string/rope deteriorating with age, etc.. but having the original parts is an exceptionally rare occurrence and highly unusual, as workings were commonly damaged and lost centuries ago. Dimensions (approx): 43" High, 12" Wide, 2.5" Deep History: Antoine Carcano (c. 1755-1820) An early maker of barometers, thermometers, and an inventor of various scientific instruments. Of Italian descent, he became famous in Paris, first at 37 rue de la Roquette and then at Place Dauphine. He supplied barometers and other scientific instruments to the Ecole Militaire in 1786; the following year he supplied a tube barometer to British optical instruments manufacturer Peter Dollond (1731-1821). During the Empire his clientele included Sir Benjamin Thompson...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood

Late 18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Period late 18th century giltwood barometer. Original gilding. Carved overall with globe, and navigation instruments. Foliate and neoclassical motifs. Maker signed.
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer
Located in Ross, CA
This beautifully carved Louis XVI barometer follows the designs of Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian physicist who was a student of Galileo and...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Church Torchère Converted to Floor Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tall giltwood church torchère with deep foliate carvings, Italy late 18th century. This piece is finely hand carved in precise detail with deep foliate carvings decorated with acanth...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

French Mid-19th Century Concert Grand Piano Signed Pleyel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular French mid-19th century, circa 1855, Louis XVI st. tulipwood parquetry and ormolu mounted, Model 2 Concert Grand Piano, signed Pleyel...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ormolu

Important Ormolu-Mounted Amaranth, Kingwood and Satine Parquetry Grand Piano
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Henry Dasson (d. 1896) Origin: French Date: circa 1885-q890 Dimension: (H) 35 1/4 in x (W) 54 in x (W) 78 in. Provenance: Acquired by Dr. J. T Nieto-Gomez from fi...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XVI Barometer
Located in New York, NY
French Louis XVI (18th Century) barometer with original scientific illustrations and mercury vial framed with gilt foliate carvings & ebonized ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Barometer from the Early 1800s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Louis XVI style barometer and thermometer features an exquisite carved giltwood crest with delicate foliage motifs. Below the crest, the thermometer, encompassed in a black painted body, sits atop the round barometer...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Glass

French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Mercury Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Louis XVI carved giltwood and painted mercury wheel barometer. Eight inch circular painted wood register dial with central rosette within the scale calibrated from 27-28-29 and ...
Category

1780s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Louis XVI Serinette in the Form of a Miniature Commode by Richard, Paris, 1775
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A very rare Louis XVI period serinette or bird organ in the form of a transitional style gilt bronze mounted and marquetry inlaid miniature commode in the manner of gilbert, by Robert Richard, Paris. With a label for ' RICHARD - maitre facteur d’orgues et mécanicien / Rue de richelieu à la bibliothèque Du Roy / Paris 1775'. This rare Serinette or Bird Organ has a wooden cylinder barrel mounted by twelve pins and linked to twelve sound pipes. A crank attached to the front panel controls the bellows that activates the mechanism. The exceptional marquetry inlaid case is in the form of a gilt bronze mounted transitional style miniature commode. The top of the commode is inlaid with a landscape scene with buildings, opening to an interior with an allegory of Love Conquering All, represented by two doves perching on a bow and quiver. The front of the commode depicts two obelisks centred by a Fine musical trophy and each side is inlaid with panels depicting the Medici Vase. The back of the commode is decorated with floral marquetry. A closely related Serinette dating from circa 1770, also in the form of a miniature commode, with the marquetry case stamped by the master marqueteur Leonard Boudin, is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. The term serinette is derived from serine, French for finch. The instrument worked like a small barrel organ with a barbed cylinder, wind box and lead pipes and produced a high, thin sound in imitation of birds. Other versions included a merline, which copied blackbirds and a turlutaine, which copied curlews. Used to teach caged birds to sing tunes, different barrels could be inserted to train different birds. It first appeared in France circa 1730 and became a popular drawing-room toy for fashionable women. An interesting painting commissioned in 1751 for Louis XV by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin and now in the collection of the Louvre, depicts a refined lady seated in her salon playing a bird organ to encourage her bird to sing. Robert Richard Robert Richard was a Parisian organ and harpsichord maker and the mécanicien du roi to Louis XV and Louis XVI and was based in the Bibliothèque du Roi in rue de Richelieu. Initially working alongside the Cliquot family who acted as 'facteur d'orgue du Roi', he is recorded as building an organ for the church of Notre-Dame de Quebec, in Montreal in 1753 (destroyed in 1759) and as the inventor of a mechanical concert shown in an engraving by d'Eisen in 1769. Canon Jean Marie De La Corne described Robert Richard as : ''Le plus habile ouvrier de paris, fameux mechanitien et Homme de probité''. French, Dated 1775. Literature: Pierre Kjellberg, The French Furniture of the 17th century, The Editions of the Amateur, 2008 Count Francois de Salverte, Cabinetmakers of the 18th century, Editions of Art and History, 1934 Raymond Russell, Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Musical Instruments, Volume I - Keyboard Instruments,(London, 1968; p. 69.) Elizabeth Miller...
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Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category

1790s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Italian Parquetry Louis XVI Style Two-Drawer Miniature Commode
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This petite Louis XVI style miniature commode is a gem with beautiful patina and maturity, early 19th century. The two drawers, the sides and the top are adorned with bands of two co...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Louis XVI Aubusson Ladies Purse with Brass Strap and Lock
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant ladies purse was handwoven in France, circa 1860. The small, antique purse is handmade using colorful Aubusson tapestry. The tapestry features two different scenes. On o...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Pair of Louis XVI Ormulu Wall Clocks & Barometers
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Louis XVI-style (Mid-19th Century) ormolu wall clock and barometer set each of banjo form with Apollo mask above putti and circular dial over bearded mask (Signed RAIN...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

Giltwood Thermometer & Perpetual Calendar Attributed to F.Linke, France, c. 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant Louis XVI style set comprising a thermometer and a perpetual calendar attributed to F. Linke. Each consisting of a metal plaque, painted with floral motifs on a beige backgro...
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1880s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sheet Metal

Rare Neoclassical Style French Giltwood Clock and Barometer Set
Located in London, GB
Rare neoclassical style French giltwood clock and barometer set French, 19th century Measures: Height 90cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm This du...
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19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel

18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Church Torchère Converted to Floor Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tall giltwood church torchère with deep foliate carvings, Italy late 18th century. This piece is finely hand carved in precise detail with deep foliate carvings decorated with acanth...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

18th Century French Pastel Portrait Noble Lady with Flowers
Located in Savannah, GA
Stunning pastel portrait representing a young Noble woman wearing a pink silk dress and blue floral corsage. Period gold gilt wooden frame with glass. It is signed *see second image,...
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1770s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Glass, Giltwood

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stunningly beautiful 18th century French gold gilt barometer is a weather instrument with mercury-filled glass thermometer still in working order...
Category

1790s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Gilt-Wood Barometer & Thermometer, France c. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI Period Barometer & Thermometer Combination, originating in France & dating from the last quarter of the 18th century. The workings enclosed by a gilt-wood case with carve...
Category

1780s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Louis XVI Style Eagle Crested Barometer, France, 1838
By D. T. Letorey
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crested double-headed eagle atop an oval giltwood and painted black frame with neoclassical borders and carved designs. The dial with metal arms and exposed thermometer coil, and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Paint, Giltwood

French 18th Century Gold Leaf Barometer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Made of hand-carved wood in 18th century France, this barometer is elegantly covered in a variety of carved designs, all coated in gold leaf. A handled Grecian vase sits atop the ste...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Sheffield, MA
18th century French neoclassical barometer from the Louis XVI period. Now strictly a stunning decorative object with great style. It is no long...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely period French Louis XVI giltwood barometer with beautiful patina. This antique French Louis XVI giltwood barometer will add a touch...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

Louis XVI Period Gilt-wood Barometer with Globe, c. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI period Gilt-wood Barometer, with an interesting crest design of a Globe & rolled-up map, capped by a laurel wreath. The barometer & thermometer combination contained by a...
Category

1790s French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Louis XVI Period Barometer
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very charming carved and gilded acanthus leaf framed Louis XVI period wall barometer with glass covered central dial and glass thermostat beneath; bot...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Louis XVI Style Giltwood Thermometer/ Barometer
Located in Montreal, QC
The Louis XVI style giltwood case with ribboned crest flanked by trailing garlands above the wood cased painted wheel barometer
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

Beautiful Carved Giltwood Louis XVI Style Lyre Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful carved giltwood Louis XVI style Lyre Barometer, with center dial with French inscriptions, the lower part fitted with glass thermometer.
Category

Early 20th Century European Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Altar Ornaments in Gold Silver Mecca Giltwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of carved Italian church altar palm holders in mecca silver leaf from the last quarter of the 18th century and in the Luise XVI manner. Each palm holders measures 13.38 inches high 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. They are gilded with the antique technique of "Mecca". A 17th century gilding technique of coloring the actual silver leaf with a gold varnish (Mecca) that makes it appear as gold leaf. As they were used in a church altar, the backs were never seen. Therefore, they are only gilded on the front. The use of these objects took place in the ecclesiastical sphere. These were sacred objects placed on the altars. Due to their beautiful craftsmanship and beauty, these palm holders are collected and used as decorative objects. Since ancient times the palm tree was a symbol of victory. With the spread of Christianity, the Church adopted the victory symbol of the palm frond as an attribution of the martyrs and the triumph of Jesus Christ over death. Additionally, the olive tree also appears in early Christian art...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Church Altar Giltwood Palm Frond Holders
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Italian parcel-gilt palm frond holders form the last quarter of the 18th century and in the Louise XVI manner. Each palm holders measures: 14.17 inches high, 14.56 inches wide and 7.87 inches deep. As they were used in a church altar, the backs were never seen. Therefore, they are only gilded on the front. The use of these objects took place in the ecclesiastical sphere. These were sacred objects placed on the altars. Due to their beautiful craftsmanship and beauty, these palm holders are collected and used as decorative objects. Since ancient times the palm tree was a symbol of victory. With the spread of Christianity, the Church adopted the victory symbol of the palm frond as an attribution of the martyrs and the triumph of Jesus Christ over death. Additionally, the olive tree also appears in early Christian art...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Louis Xvi collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XVI collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XVI 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 François Linke, Alexandre Vossion, Aubusson Manufacture, and Eugene Hazart. 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 $129 and tops out at $263,497 while the average work can sell for $4,875.

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