Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
Pair of French Gilt Bronze Figural Cherub Winged Two Arm Wall Sconces, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of French gilt bronze figural cherub winged two arm wall sconces, Early 19th Century. Pair of sconces are candle powered but can be electrified if desired at no additional cost.
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Louis-Philippe Gilt-Bronze Charger with Relief
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Louis-Philippe Gilt-Bronze Charger. Of finely cast and chased gilt-bronze with matte and burnished gilding. The dished central basin cast in relief with Neptune driving a c...
Bronze
1930's French Gilt Bronze Sconces with Cherubs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces with cherub atop.
Bronze
$1,741
H 9.5 in W 8.5 in D 5 in
Unique Pair of French Hollywood Maison Charles Bagues Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Lisse, NL
Maison Charles pair of French Empire style bronze two-light wall sconces with detailed women heads, from the 1970s. Marked on the back " Charles, made in France ". Our sharp pric...
Bronze
19th Century Victorian Bronze Relief Sculpture of Bacchus on an Oak Plaque
Located in Long Island City, NY
19th Century Victorian Bronze Relief Sculpture of Bacchus on an Oak Plaque.
Bronze
19th Century Antique French Neoclassical Plaster Relief Sculpture
Located in Peabody, MA
A late 19th century French neoclassical plaster relief sculpture of a toga clad figure with horse in faded polychrome.
Plaster, Paint
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style, Relief Carved Walnut Panel
Located in Queens, NY
19th century Italian Neoclassical style carved walnut panel with relief carvings of dolphins and fruit with a scroll design and a center crown.
Walnut
19th Century French Limoges Enamel Plaque in Gilt Bronze Frame
By Limoges
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Limoges enamel plaque depicts a knight in full armour. He is portrayed turning towards the viewer, as though he is about to unsheathe his sword. The knight stands...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
$2,995 / set
H 16 in W 12 in D 4 in
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Gilt Hollywood Regency Potted Flowers Wall Sconces
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Mid-Century Modern gilt metal and glass wall sconces are unsigned but presumed to have been made in Italy in circa 1965. These sconces are done with a potted flowers motif using gilt finished metal with glass accents. The main flower is done with a ruffled metal surround featuring a cut clear glass center. The branches and leaves are done in a thick Brutalist styled textured iron and each leaf is accented with textured glass. Under each ruffled metal cup of these double candle sconces...
Metal
$3,200
H 20 in W 18 in D 6 in
Handsome Set of handmade Wall Light 2 Arm Carved Wood Monkey Sconce Wall Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome set of hand-made wall light 2 arm carved wood monkey sconce wall lamps. Hand painted finish with browns, reds and gilt trim. Decorative trim adorns the top above the figures and just below them. The lights stand on curved gilt metal rods with floral shaped flourishes. This was manufactured by Maitland-Smith. The monkeys in this set have a great amount of character and joy in their expression with a strong pose. Their hats and jackets appear to have colonial-esque jackets. There’s a strong s-curve pose for the figures as well. In Good condition. Some gentle wear on the small light shades. One of the shades has a small hole. These playful and elegant statues would make a wonderful feature on any dining room or front entry...
Wood
Exceptional Pair of Carved Giltwood Wall Sconces
Located in London, by appointment only
Thank you for your interest in this pair of giltwood wall sconces. Nicholas Wells Antiques is pleased to present a pair of very fine carved giltwood ...
Giltwood
Wax Relief, Italy 19th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Wax relief depicting a vase with flowers Italy, mid-19th century Signed "Scot. inv et fecit" Measures: 37 x 44 x 7,5 cm.
Wood
19th Century Diana the Huntress Bronze Bas Relief Wall Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th century diana the huntress bronze bas relief wall plaque. Diana with raised bow and hunting dog near her side. We have specialized in the sale of...
Bronze
Antique Marble Relief of Athene, 19th Century, Wall Sculpture Decor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique marble relief of Athene or Athena who was a goddess of Greek mythology, in good condition. She stood for Wisdom, strategy amongst many...
Marble
20th Century Antique Wooden Italian Frieze Clock
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A 20th Century Antique wooden frieze with eagle and clock hand-carved in Italy, original conditions
Wood
A French, 19th C., Wooden Grape Carrier with Leather Straps
Located in Atlanta, GA
of tapering oval cylindrical form and composed of vertical boards below three bands of curved horizontal boards, inscriped with vineyard markings, me...
Metal