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.
Portrait Of A Young Aristocratic Girl French School, Louis XIV Period CIRCA 1715
By Pierre Gobert
Located in BARSAC, FR
Important early 18th-century oil on canvasdepicting a young woman of the high nobility. The work perfectly reflects the aesthetic andrepresentational conventions of the court during...
Canvas
EARLY 18th CENTURY PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful oil painting on canvas depicting a gentleman belonging to the ancient chivalric order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, founded in 1572 by the House of Savoy. The protagonist ...
Canvas, Wood
Battle Scene in the taste of G. Zais, Oil on canvas, gilt frame, 18th century
By Giuseppe Zais
Located in NICE, FR
Thiscomposition is deeply rooted in the tradition of the 18th-century Venetian masters, particularly in the spirit of Giuseppe Zais (1709–1774). Renowned for his lively landscapes an...
Canvas
EARLY 18th CENTURY OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS WITH ADORATION OF SAINTS
Located in Firenze, FI
Refined oil painting on canvas, embellished with a carved and gilded wooden frame. The painting depicts a scene of adoration, with the baby Jesus centrally positioned at the top, hal...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Oil On Canvas - Portrait Of A Man Of Quality - 17th Century
Located in BARSAC, FR
Oil on canvas Three-quarter portrait of a gentleman wearing a blue cape with a red lapel and a large wig. French school of the late 17th century - 1690-1700. Later 19th century wo...
Canvas
Early 17th Century French Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 17th century French landscape painting. Unframed.
Canvas, Paint
Two Dogs by the Fountain Hand-Painted Painting, Louis XIV Style
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a vertical dog portrait painting titled "Two Dogs by The Fountain" Showing two hounds relaxing in a garden
Paint
$5,894Sale Price|20% Off
Late 17th Century Oil Portrait of a Lady
Located in Lymington, GB
An oil on canvas portrait of a young French courtier, circa 1690. This evocative antique French-school picture has been attributed to the portrait painter Jean-François de Troy (1679-1752). De Troy was famous as a portrait painter of fashionable society women. This is a very attractive late-17th century painting surviving in its original frame and stretcher. The canvas appears to be untouched. References: 'Jean François de Troy, The Alarm, or the Gouvernante Fidèle', at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 'Jean François de Troy, Paris 1679 - Rome 1752', at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Laurie G. Winters, Troy, de, Grove Art Online, Oxford Art Online, Oxford University Press, 6 May 2016. Everett Fahy & Jayne Wrightsman...
Canvas
Pair of large still lifes of hunting - 17th century Emilian school, oil
Located in Vicenza, IT
Important pair of large still lifes with a hunting subject, oil on canvas, traceable to the Emilian/Po Valley school of the 17th century.The two canvases depict hunting game (birds a...
Gold Leaf
18th Century 'Cuir Bouili' Leather Portrait of Louis XIV
By François Girardon
Located in London, GB
This ‘cuir bouili’ (moulded leather) panel is a truly beautiful and rare piece of early 18th Century art. It is a profile portrait of the French King Louis XIV (1643-1715), depicted at around the age of 50. This image is based on a marble relief sculpture...
Leather, Giltwood
A Galant Scene, Oil on Panel Attributed to Van Mieris, 17th century.
Located in PARIS, FR
A gallant scene portraying a man courting a seated young woman holding a glass in her hand. A young dog in the foreground is watching two characters in the background, one of whom i...
Wood
Virgin And Child — French School, C. 1700 — Circle Of Pierre Mignard
By (circle of) Pierre Mignard
Located in BARSAC, FR
A significant oval-shaped oil-on-canvas painting from the late 17thor very early 18th century depicting the Virgin and Child. A high-quality composition faithfully reflecting the ar...
Canvas
Early 17th Century French Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 17th century French landscape painting. Unframed.
Canvas, Paint
Capture of Fort Saint-Jean D'Ullioa Seascape Painting Copy, 48x67\
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a seascape painting titled "Capture of the Fort of Saint-Jean D'Ullioa, November 23, 1838" showing siege of burning fort by tall ships
Paint
Large Framed Seascape In The Style Of Vernet, Late 17th/early 18th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large framed seascape in the style of Vernet: a stormy landscape with men pulling a boat towards the beach, waves crashing on the rocks, and in the background a lighthouse and a smal...
Stucco, Paint
Early 17th Century French Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 17th century French landscape painting. Unframed.
Canvas, Paint
17th Century French School Christ as Shepherd
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully rendered 17th-century oil painting on panel from the French school, depicting Christ as the infant shepherd. The composition features muted, harmonious colors and delic...
Wood, Paint
Early 17th Century French Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 17th century French landscape painting. Unframed.
Canvas, Paint
$11,472Sale Price|20% Off
Early 18th Century Dutch Landscape Painting Attributed to Théobald Michau
By Abraham Brueghel
Located in NICE, FR
This wonderful oil painting on canvas portrays a vibrant Dutch landscape and is attributed to Théobald Michau (1676-1765). It is characterised by a realistic depiction of everyday rural life in a flat Dutch landscape, emphasising intricate details of the scenery and luminism in the portrayal of light effects. The atmospheric perspective creates depth and portrays the dynamic influence of changing weather conditions in the painting, due to its use of soft colours in the background, giving the illusion of depth and distance. It is presented within a modern wooden frame and dates back to the 18th century, maintaining an impeccable condition. Théobald Michau was a Flemish painter known for his landscapes and genre paintings more famous in his own time than he is today. He began his training at the age of ten in Brussels under Lucas Achtschellinck, also a landscape painter. In 1698, he became a master in the Guild of Brussels, and in 1710, he was elected as a member of the Guild of Antwerp. He is considered a follower of Flemish landscape masters of the 17th century, such as Jan Brueghel the Elder...
Canvas
$4,122 / set
Pair of paintings on copper Michiel Carree
Located in Vicenza, IT
Fine pair of oil paintings on copper depicting pastoral scenes with cattle and sheep surrounded by wooded landscapes. The works, which can be dated to the late 17th and early 18th ce...
Copper
Portrait of the Duke of Burgundy? , F. de TROY ? French school, 17th century
By (circle of) François de Troy
Located in PARIS, FR
“Portrait of the Duke of Burgundy? , F. de TROY ? French school, late 17th century.” Oil on canvas depicting the presumed portrait of the Duke of Burgundy as a child. Attributed to...
Canvas
LATE 17th CENTURY LANDSCAPE AND FIGURE PAINTING
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful oil painting on canvas, set in a contemporary carved, ebonized, and gilded wooden frame. The painting depicts a somewhat shady landscape, with trees and a thick meadow. A s...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Hand-Painted Bouquet Still Life, Louis XIV Style, Late 20th Century
By Breaad
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a still life painting titled "Bouquet" showing tulips and other flowers in a classical setting
Paint
18th Century Portrait
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century portrait of a lady, unsigned, circa 1750, Sweden. (reframed, oil on canvas) According to old frame painted by Johan Horner (...
Canvas
FRENCH SCHOOL "Portrait of a Girl with Flowers". 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FRENCH SCHOOL "Portrait of a Girl with Flowers". Oil on canvas from the 18th century. Relined. Dimensions: 80 x 64 cm Good condition
Paint
Announcement Italian School Oil on Canvas, of the 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Announcement Italian School Oil on canvas, of the 17th century Dimension: 75 x 62 cm. Good conditions.
Paint
$7,444
H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 3.15 in
Circle of Alexis-Simon Belle (1674-1734) "Antique Portrait of a Young Girl"
Located in Madrid, ES
Circle of Alexis-Simon Belle (1674-1734) "Antique Portrait of a Young Girl" Oil on canvas. Dimensions: H: 70 × W: 57 cm Good condition Alexis Simon Belle was born in Paris. He was t...
Paint
17th-18th Century Venetian Painting
Located in Pembroke, MA
Venetian School painting of four angels, allegorically depicting the variable winds of change and time. Unsigned, believed to be by a follower of Pietro Li...
Giltwood, Canvas
17th Century Tibetan Thangka Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare 17th century (Ming Dynasty) Tibetan Thangka depicting the Medicine Buddha seated on a lotus throne with an alms bowl in one hand, and his other hand with outstretched fingers touching the ground, feeling the pulse of the Earth. The Buddha is surrounded by dozens of monks seated...
Linen, Paint
$9,105
H 46.86 in W 37.01 in D 2.56 in
17th Century Portrait of Anna Maria Luisa d'Orléans, Oil on Canvas
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are pleased to present this splendid oil-on-canvas painting, dating to the mid-17th century. It is a beautiful portrait of Anne Maria Louise d'Orléans (Paris, May 29, 1627 – Paris...
Canvas
$709Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 19.49 in D 2.37 in
18th Century Oil On Canvas In Gilt Frame School Of Nicolas De Largilierre
By (circle of) Nicolas de Largillierre
Located in London, GB
School of Largillierre, Portrait of a Lady of the Verheyden Family. The original frame is black lacquered wood with gilt insert. Nicolas de Largilliere (1656-1746), was born in Paris...
Canvas
$3,900
H 33 in W 45 in D 2.5 in
Mid-Century French Parisian Scene Oil on Canvas Painting in Carved Gilt Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this large and colorful oil on canvas painting. Painted in Paris circa 1970 and set in a thick carved gilt frame, the artwork beautifully captures the vibrant at...
Giltwood, Canvas
Late 17th Century Oil Portrait of a Lady
Located in Lymington, GB
An oil on canvas portrait of a young French courtier, circa 1690. This evocative antique French-school picture has been attributed to the portrait painter Jean-François de Troy (1679-1752). De Troy was famous as a portrait painter of fashionable society women. This is a very attractive late-17th century painting surviving in its original frame and stretcher. The canvas appears to be untouched. References: 'Jean François de Troy, The Alarm, or the Gouvernante Fidèle', at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 'Jean François de Troy, Paris 1679 - Rome 1752', at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Laurie G. Winters, Troy, de, Grove Art Online, Oxford Art Online, Oxford University Press, 6 May 2016. Everett Fahy & Jayne Wrightsman...
Canvas
18th Century Italian Oil Painting on Canvas with Giltwood Frame
Located in Lincoln, GB
Italian Oil Painting on Canvas in a Giltwood Florentine Frame 18th Century This finely painted Italian oil on canvas, presented behind glass, dates from the 18th century and is belie...
Giltwood, Paint
Portrait of a seated gentleman, mid 19th century.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Seated Man" - depicting a man wearing black neck tie, waistcoat and jacket seated near window with wooded landscape in background. - Oil on canvas - Unsigned, unknown artist. - Unfr...
Canvas
$3,500
H 31.25 in W 38.25 in D 1.5 in
Early 18th Century Oil on Canvas Laid on Board Painting, Italian School
Located in Round Top, TX
Original oil on canvas laid on panel painting, Italian school. Unsigned. Possibly a religious composition with three putti in lower left. Condition: Age related craquelure, some abra...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$15,690
H 23.23 in W 19.69 in D 1.97 in
Adoration of the Magi Oil on Canvas Painting, 18th Century, Baroque Religious
Located in Lisbon, PT
This 18th century Italian painting captures one of the most iconic biblical moments: the Adoration of the Magi. The mysterious travelers kneel in reverence before the Infant Jesus, ...
Canvas
17th Century French School Christ as Shepherd
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully rendered 17th-century oil painting on panel from the French school, depicting Christ as the infant shepherd. The composition features muted, harmonious colors and delic...
Wood, Paint
Portrait Of A Child - Flemish School After Van Dyck
By Anthony van Dyck
Located in BARSAC, FR
Oil on canvas from the 18th century depicting the portrait of a young child. This portrait comes from the portrait of Rubens' brother painted in 1632 by Antoine Van Dyck. Possibly ...
Canvas
Madonna and Child - Venetian school, late 17th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Oil painting on canvas depicting the Madonna and Child, a work of the Venetian school of the late 17th century. The Virgin, wrapped in a dark cloak, holds the Child with a gentle and...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 10.5 in W 14 in D 1 in
Italian Oil on Canvas, Harbor with Galleon and Tower, early 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
depicting an active harbor scene with galleons, skiffs, a tower, and figures, framed in a wooden border
Paint
18th Century French School "Bust of a Man in Armor"
Located in Madrid, ES
18th Century French School "Bust of a Man in Armor" Oil on canvas It bears a label that reads: "Chevalier de Gally de Halivera sous Louis XIV, Jacques." 74.5 x 60.5 cm Good condition
Paint
Sold
H 17.72 in W 14.57 in D 0.79 in
Tobias The Fisherman And The Angel Raphael - French School, Late 17th Century
Located in BARSAC, FR
Tobias the Fisherman and the Angel Raphael, French School, Late 17th Century. Later oak frame and gilded relief frieze. Very good condition, relining and old restora...
Canvas
Sold
H 19.69 in W 22.84 in D 3.94 in
Oil On Canvas - Dutch School Of The 18th Century - The Approach Of The Storm
Located in BARSAC, FR
Oil on canvas Dutch school of the 18th century Animated scene - scene of life as a storm approaches on a bay probably in the North Sea in Holland, a fisherman moors his boat, a peas...
Canvas
Sold
H 21.26 in W 18.12 in D 3.94 in
Portrait Of Louis XIV In Armor - Follower Of Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659 - 1743)
By Hyacinthe Rigaud 1
Located in BARSAC, FR
Follower of Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659 - 1743) Portrait of Louis XIV, bust in profile, in armor decorated with fleurs-de-lys and wearing the blue ribbon of the Order of Saint-Michel. E...
Canvas
Sold
H 50.5 in W 68.25 in D 1.5 in
Italian, Tivoli, Oil on Canvas, "Shepherd Among Flock Outside City Walls"
Located in Atlanta, GA
In the manner of and possibly school of Philipp Peter Roos also known in later years as “Rosa da Tivoli”, born 1655 in Frankfurt, Germany and died 1706 in Tivoli, Italy. Shepherd ...
Paint
Sold
H 18 in W 15 in D 0.75 in
Northern Italian Oil On Canvas of The Madonna in Period Walnut Frame, ca. 1700
Located in Atlanta, GA
The painting depicting the Madonna draped in velvet garments in a state of adoration, the painting unrestored, in period and likely original walnut frame
Canvas, Walnut, Paint
Sold
H 13 in W 15.5 in D 1.5 in
Pair Italian Early 18th century Oil on Canvas Paintings, Harbor and Landscape
Located in Atlanta, GA
The paintings, respectively, of a harbor with a fortress and ships and a landscape with ruins and figures, in period giltwood frames
Paint
Titus Vespasian, Framed Portrait, 17th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Portrait of Titus Vespasian XI, from behind but with his head crowned with laurels turned towards us Oil on canvas 17th century, re-canvased on a recent stretcher, old restorations;...
Paint
Sold
H 79 in W 59.5 in D 0.75 in
Circa 1800 French Toile Peinte with Double Coat of Arms, Representing Spring
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently purchased from a home in Perpignan, France, this toile peinte with a double coat of arms is not only a beautiful painting representing the arrival of Spring, but also a piec...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
18th Century Oil Painting of Dauphin of France
Located in NICE, FR
An 18th-century oil portrait painting on canvas representing the Dauphin of France, Louis XV, in his official ceremonial attire. It has undergone re...
Paint, Giltwood
Sold
H 16.34 in W 12.8 in D 3.15 in
17th Century French School, François De Troy Workshop, Portrait of Marie-Anne
By (circle of) François de Troy
Located in BARSAC, FR
Portrait of Marie-Anne de Bourbon Princess of Conti and daughter of Louis XIV In a beautiful gilt wood frame, old but later. French School of the late 17th century or early 18th century - Atelier François de Troy...
Paint
Sold
H 26.58 in W 20.08 in D 3.94 in
Portrait of Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignan in Hunting Dress, circa 1700
By (circle of) Pierre Mignard
Located in BARSAC, FR
Magnificent Portrait of Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignan. Superbly executed, the prince, still young, presented slightly sideways and sporting...
Paint