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Louis XIII Decorative Art

LOUIS XIII STYLE

Antique Louis XIII furniture is not as lavish as that of his son Louis XIV, who transformed his father’s modest Versailles hunting lodge into a sumptuous palace. Yet the imposing forms of its chairs, dressers, tables and other pieces express grandeur and luxury.

When Henry IV was assassinated in the streets of Paris in 1610, his young son became the king of France. With Louis XIII too young to rule, the widowed Marie de' Medici — a native of Italy and member of the prominent House of Medici — became regent, instilling an Italian influence in the decorative arts. Even after Louis XIII exiled his mother and took power in 1617, this aesthetic informed his court style. As did the consolidation of power, established with his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, through his death in 1643.

From sturdy chests and tall cupboards to colossal four-poster beds, almost every piece of Louis XIII furniture was heavily carved or turned from dark-toned wood. Motifs of the period included scrollwork, foliage, fruits, grotesque masks and other images of abundance, often inlaid in marquetry of wood or tortoiseshell. Ornamental scenes, sometimes carved on cabinet panels and other pieces from rare ebony, oak or walnut, were borrowed from engravings by northern European masters like Peter Paul Rubens. Engravings also spread the Louis XIII style during the 17th century, particularly by printmaker Abraham Bosse, who depicted the popular Louis XIII chairs designed with upholstered seats and low, wide backs.

The lofty profiles of the French furniture complemented the architecture under the reign of Louis XIII, such as the Palais du Luxembourg by chief architect Salomon de Brosse and architect Jacques Lemercier’s chapel at the Sorbonne, which showcased the influence of Italian Baroque.

Find a collection of antique Louis XIII armchairs, storage cabinets, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XIII
Pair of 19th Century Bronzed Electrotype Plaques
By Étienne Alexandre Stella
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th century bronzed electrotype plaques French, late 19th century Frames: Height 61cm, width 71.5cm, depth 12cm Panels: Height 42cm, width 52cm, depth 6cm Hailing from the late 19th century, this remarkable duo of bronzed electrotype figural plaques stands as a testament to the creative prowess of the French sculptor Étienne Alexandre Stella...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIII Decorative Art

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Bronzed Electrotype Plaques
Pair of 19th Century Bronzed Electrotype Plaques

Pair of 19th Century Bronzed Electrotype Plaques

$20,556 / set
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Louis Xiii decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIII decorative art 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, giltwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIII decorative art made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include and Étienne Alexandre Stella. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $19,112 and tops out at $19,112 while the average work can sell for $19,112.

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