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.
The Flute-playing Faun – Large 18th-century Terracotta Sculpture
Located in BARSAC, FR
Faun Playing the Flute, known as the “Little Borghese Faun”; this subject,drawn from ancient Rome, was commissioned by Louis XIV from four renowned sculptorsfor the gardens of the P...
Terracotta
Very Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon
Located in London, GB
Very large patinated bronze sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon French, 19th Century Height 109cm, width 87cm, depth 53cm This very large sculpture depicts the famous King Louis ...
Bronze
17thc French Louis XIV Ormolu Sphynx Sculpture w/ Stacked Associated Components
Located in Opa Locka, FL
17thc French Louis XIV Ormolu Sphynx Sculpture with Associated Stacked Components. This objects exhibits multi part pinned construction, assembly mar...
Ormolu
French Gilt Bronze Sculpture Statue Marble Base, circa 19th C.
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, small. French gilt bronze statue in the style of sculptor Hippolyte Francois Moreau, circa late-19th century, France. This gilt ...
Marble, Bronze
17th-century Marble Bust of a man
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Marble bust representing a young man clothed in a toga or draped garment. Seventeenth-century period marble, green mabre base reported Wear and chips, small chips. Total hei...
Marble
$130,997Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Antique English Bronze Sculpture Equestrian Louis XIV Elkington & Co
Located in London, GB
Very Large Antique English Bronze Sculpture Equestrian Louis XIV Elkington & Co English, 19th Century Sculpture: Height 108cm, width 86cm, depth 43cm Base: Height 26cm, width 9...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French Louis XIV Period 1690s Carved Cherub Appliques from Strasbourg
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Louis XIV period late 17th century carved cherub appliques from Strasbourg, with scrolling design. Born in the Alsacien city of Strasbourg in 1690s (which was annexe...
Wood
Madonna In Lacquered Wood H160cm, 17th Century Period
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Madonna from the 17th century, in lacquered and carved wood, life-size: she stands, wrapped in her veils, her hands in prayer. This sculpture must have been leaning against a wal...
Wood
Large Patinated Bronze Group of Fame After the Model by Antoine Coysevox
By Coyzevox
Located in New York, NY
A Marvelous and Large 19th Century French Patinated Bronze group of Fame After the Model by Antoine Coysevox. The sculpture depicts the allegorical figure of Fame seated side-saddle...
Bronze
Italian 17th Century Louis XIV Period White Carrara Marble Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent Italian 17th century Louis XIV period, circa 1680 white carrara marble statue of a man and his dog. The striking statue, carved out of one solid marble block, is raised on a rectangular base. The extremely well sculpted statue...
Carrara Marble
17th-Century Double-Sided Carved Stone Medallion Fragment with Lions and Acanthu
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
17th-century European circular architectural medallion fragment, hand-carved in stone. This double-sided low-relief (bas-relief) element features two distinct decorative composition...
Stone
19th Century French Bronze Figure by Pradier, Louis XIV Style, Signed
Located in Queens, NY
French (19th Cent) bronze of 17th century figure with book and quill sitting in chair (signed PRADIER)
Bronze
Pair of 17th–18th Century Ceroferary Angels in Carved Marble Stone
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
A remarkable pair of 17th–18th century ceroferary angels, finely carved in stone and traditionally intended to serve as liturgical candle-bearing figures. These devotional sculptures...
Stone
CENTRAL ITALY SCHOOL Pair of Sculptures Louis XIV "Angels" late 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
CENTRAL ITALY SCHOOL Pair of Sculptures from the Louis XIV era "Angels" late 17th Century in carved and silver lacquered wood on contemporary bases lacquered with imitation red marb...
Wood
A Large French Bronze Sculpture "Amalthea & Jupiter's Goat" after Pierre Julien
Located in Tarzana, CA
A large 19th century patinated bronze group titled: "Amalthea and Jupiter's Goat" after Pierre Julien (French 1731-1804) The goddess portrayed as nude but for drapery held across her breasts and falling to her lap, seated on the back of the goat with her right foot raised to rest on a rock outcrop. Signed: Julien Circa 1880. Height: 34" (86.3 cm) Width: 21" (53.3 cm) Depth: 15" (38.1 cm) Pierre Julien's model of Amalthée et la chèvre...
Bronze
FRENCH SCULPTOR 17TH CENTURY, Sculpture "Saint Mary Magdalene"
Located in Madrid, ES
FRENCH SCULPTOR 17TH CENTURY, Sculpture "Saint Mary Magdalene" Sculpture from the Louis XIV era in carved wood with a contemporary base 45 x 35 ...
Wood
Large Putti Sculpture In Lacquered Wood, Italy, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large sculpture in cream lacquered carved wood, representing 2 putti on a large vase, celebrating a bacchanal: one of them has a head surrounded by a crown of flowers and brandishes ...
Wood
Very Large Antique Whale Vertebrae #2
Located in Bradenton, FL
Natural weathered antique Whale Vertebrae. One section / specimen. Likely 19th century.
Organic Material
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Bronze
$2,600
H 16 in W 19 in D 8.5 in
Mid-Century French Patinated Bronze Horse Sculpture After Pierre Lenordez
By Pierre Lenordez
Located in Dallas, TX
Full of movement and expressive detail, this antique-style bronze horse sculpture captures the spirited character of a finely modeled Arabian stallion. Crafted in France circa 1950, after a model by renowned French animalier sculptor Pierre Lenordez...
Bronze
$4,500
H 16.5 in W 6.85 in D 6 in
Vintage Abstract Bronze Intertwined Figurative Sculpture on White Marble Base
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful intertwined abstract figure bronze sculpture on a white marble base is very sensual and has an amazing and different presence from every angle. The bodies are intertwi...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
$818Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.14 in W 8.86 in D 3.15 in
Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning late 19th century Italian grand tour Recumbent Lion A very good looking and decorative piece that looks expensive and important in any set...
Bronze
$3,186
H 14.18 in W 10.63 in D 7.09 in
Sculpture of a Woman's Head in Patinated Bronze after Picasso, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a woman's head in patinated bronze after Picasso, contemporary art, 21st century. Sculpture of a woman's head in patinated bronze after Picasso, contemporary art, 21st ...
Bronze
Stucco sculpture depicting a faun - 20th century
Located in Parma, Emilia-Romagna
A 20th-century stucco sculpture depicting a faun. Italy. This sculpture is a reproduction of the famous work "Le Faune" by Pierre Puget, who was active in the 17th century. The subje...
Stucco
Fine Antique Patinated Bronze Discobolus Sculpture After Myron
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
An exceptionally fine antique patinated bronze sculpture depicting the celebrated Discobolus (Discus Thrower), after the ancient Greek masterpiece by Myron, originally conceived in t...
Bronze
Classical Bronze Male Nude Torso Sculpture/Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze male nudist statue. Classical Greek style sculpture. Unsigned. Would make a wonderful sculpture for desk, office, shelf, etc.
Bronze
17th Century Spanish Carved Polychrome Bust of Christ on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Spain, circa 1680, this antique carved wooden bust depicts the head of Christ with a strikingly expressive, devotional presence typical of the Haute Époque period. The scu...
Gesso, Walnut
$4,875
H 26.5 in W 12 in D 11 in
Expressive Sandstone Sculpture of Apsara Playing Sitar, 18th Century India
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Sandstone sculpture of Apsara playing sitar with dancing pose in front of a garland arch. Covered with rests of stucco and old painting with beautiful face expression and flower lotus tiara...
Sandstone
$1,024
H 12.41 in W 5.52 in D 4.34 in
Bronze sculpture "The dancing faun of Pompeii", Italy, 20th century
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great sculpture after the antique "The danicing faun of Pompeii". Made in bronze with beautiful details.
Bronze
$2,729
H 19.69 in W 27.56 in D 11.82 in
Large Bronze Sculpture of Two Horses – After Pierre-Jules Mêne
Located in GB
An elegant and finely modeled bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling in a moment of calm affection, rendered with exquisite anatomical detail and naturalistic posture. This c...
Bronze
$325
H 2 in W 5.5 in D 1.5 in
Antique English Irish Setter Dog Figural Verdigris Bronze Figurine Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique solid bronze with a verdigris finish Irish/English Setter hunting dog figurine or sculpture circa 1930s. I am not able to find a signature or makers mark. Great patina and co...
Bronze
$6,788
H 13.19 in W 12.6 in D 11.03 in
Large Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Epergne, Elkington & Co., 1908
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1908 by Elkington & Co., this stately antique Edwardian sterling silver epergne features a central, large trumpet-shaped vase surrounded by four small...
Sterling Silver
Coppia di Medaglioni in Marmo Profili di Papi fine XVII
Located in Pistoia, IT
Coppia di medaglioni in marmo raffiguranti i profili dei papi Gregorio VIII e Leone IX. Italia, bottega romana, fine XVII-inizi XVIII secolo. Gregorio VIII, nato Alberto di Morra ...
Marble
Sold
H 32.88 in W 9.65 in D 6.7 in
Religious Sculpture of Saint in Carved Natural Wood, Late 17th Early 18th France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful and large sculpture of a saint, probably Saint Véronique, in hand-carved natural wood. Beautiful religious object. Standing, she has her head down and her arms crossed in f...
Wood
Sold
H 11.22 in W 7.68 in D 4.72 in
Late 17th Century French Gilt Bronze Figure of Venus on Boulle Pedestal
Located in PARIS, FR
Late 17th century French Gilt Bronze Figure of a Crouching Venus Gilt bronze crouching Venus on a pedestal decorated with Boulle marquetry and...
Bronze
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
Wood
Boxwood Lion - Venice, Around 1750
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Lion Venice, around 1750 Carved and painted boxwood H 19 x L 26 x P 10 cm Related literature: - Clara Santini, Mille mobili Veneti. L’arredo domestico in Veneto dal sec. XV...
Boxwood
Pair of 17/18th Century French Louis XIV Bronze Ornaments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair of bronze Louis XIV ornaments with heads. The once grazed a piece of furniture. Traces of fire gilding visible. France, circa 1680-1715. Weathered. Measurement here ...
Bronze
Sold
H 18 in W 72 in L 18 in
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...
Oak
Sculpture of Louis XIV Silver Bronze and Pedestal Marble Cherry
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of Louis XIV silver bronze and pedestal marble cherry, 19th century Measures: H 49cm, W 43cm, W 20cm.
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 16.93 in W 19.69 in D 6.7 in
Day and Night, a Pair of 19th Century Bronze Sculpture after Michelangelo
By Michelangelo Buonarroti
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The day and the night a pair of 19th century patinated bronze sculpture after Michelangelo resting on gilt bronze bases Louis XIV style, circa 1860. Day is a sculpture in marble (155 x 150 cm, maximum length 194 cm diagonally) by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti...
Bronze
Sold
H 68.9 in Dm 362.21 in
Apollo's Fountain, a Unique Bronze Copy after the Original Group in Versailles
By Jean-Baptiste Tuby
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Apollo rising from the Water on the Sun Chariot is a famous gilded lead group sculpture, built between 1668 and 1671 by Jean-Baptiste Tuby for King Louis XIV at the Palace of Versail...
Bronze