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Directoire Figurative Sculptures

DIRECTOIRE STYLE

Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.

Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.

Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.

Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.

Find a collection of antique ​​Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Directoire
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each child seated on an oval tasseled and draped plinth in the shape of a stool, one reading a book, the other thinking, symbolizing knowledge and philosophy.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

$8,500 / set
French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and Rare French 18th-19th century Copper Overlaid Portrayal Relief Medallion of The Renown French Chemist ANTOINE LAVOISIER (1743-1794). The ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier

French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier

$13,850 Sale Price
60% Off
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Large Gilt Bronze Sculptures of Herons
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French 18th/ 19th Century Painting of Maria with Baby Jesus On Metal
Located in Buisson, FR
Very attractive painting of Maria with the baby Jesus. Painted on metal. France circa 1800-1850 Weathered and small losses.
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18th Century French Antique Directoire Figurative Sculptures

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Gilded Bronze Rooster Sculpture After Arthur Comte DU PASSAGE – Allegorical
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Erotic Copper Repoussé Relief of an Orgy with French Soldiers, Mid- 19th Century
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19th Century French Majolica Pigeon Wall Pocket
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th century French Majolica Pigeon wall pocket. The pigeon have a pink ribbon and carry a white card.  
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Allegorical French Art Nouveau Gilt Patinated Bronze Lamp w/ Bust of Maiden
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19th Century Historicist Repoussé Copper Plaque Depicting Vercingetorix, c. 1850
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Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze Relief Plaques With Children
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Directoire figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with copper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $18,500 and tops out at $18,500 while the average work can sell for $18,500.

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