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French Provincial Photography

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
Vintage 1990s Monteverde Angel Sculpture Color Photograph
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage color photograph on paper by Eric C. Weller (20th century) Texas. Monteverde Angel sculpture. Unsigned, glossy finish, Eric Weller was a professor of photography at Texas Sta...
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Late 20th Century American French Provincial Photography

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Paper

Vintage 1990s Monteverde Angel Sculpture Celadon & Sepia Photograph
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage circa 1990's photograph on heavy paper by Eric C. Weller (20th century) Texas. Monteverde angel sculpture in pale green and sepia tones. Unsigned, Eric Weller was a professor...
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Late 20th Century American French Provincial Photography

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Paper

The Cooking of Provincial France Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Cooking of Provincial France hardcover by M. F. K. Fisher (Author), Mark Kauffman (Photographer) Title: Recipes: The Cooking of Provincial Fra...
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Late 20th Century French French Provincial Photography

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Paper

Loire Castles Artaud Freres Publication Hardcover Book by Armel De Wismes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Loire Castles Artaud Freres Publication Hardcover Book by Armel De Wismes. Beautiful photographs in color of different castles, inside and out, on the Loire River. Publisher : ...
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1980s French Vintage French Provincial Photography

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Paper

Kiki's Paris Artists and Lovers 1900-1930 Coffee Table Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Kiki's Paris: Artists and Lovers 1900-1930. Billy Klüver, Billy Klèuver, Julie Martin Abrams, 1989 - History - 263 pages. 1st edition hardcover with dust jacket. 263 pp. An illustrat...
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20th Century French French Provincial Photography

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Paper

Cuisine Sante by Christopher Buey French Cuisine Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Cuisine Sante by Christopher Buey, French Cuisine book A renowned chef offers compilation of more than 150 French-inspired recipes for gourmet meals usin...
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Late 20th Century American French Provincial Photography

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Paper

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"Three Chiefs, Blackfoot, Montana" by Edward S. Curtis, Platinum Print, 1900
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
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French Provincial photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial photography 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 photography created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial photography made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original photography, popular names associated with this style include and Abrams Publishers. 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 photography differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $39 and tops out at $175 while the average work can sell for $103.

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