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Louis XIV Drawings

LOUIS XIV STYLE

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.

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Style: Louis XIV
‘View Of An Animated Port’ Oil On Canvas And Frame, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
‘View Of An Animated Port’ Oil On Canvas And Frame, 18th Century
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Drawings

Materials

Canvas

Original Etching Head of a Sleeping Child by Baron Dominique Vivant Denon
Located in Miami, FL
Original Etching by Baron Dominique Vivant Denon Title: Head of a Sleeping Child Artist: Baron Dominique Vivant Denon (French, Givry 1747–1825 Paris) D...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Drawings

Materials

Paper, Wood

RIGAUD (after) - 19th Drawing signed Portrait of Marie Nemours Orleans - France
By Hyacinthe Rigaud 1
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Superb, rare and large drawing representing a Portrait of Marie d'Orléans-Longueville, Duchess of Nemours, Princess of France. The drawing is perfectly done. Wonderful work of light on the lace in particular which seems to come out of the painting thanks to its bluish tint. The shadow play is magnificent. On thick marked paper. Drawing Dated 1891 and signed. The Signature is probably “Sieur Duval”. Very good Made from the magnificent painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743), painter of the 18th century model dated 1707. The engraver Pierre Drevet (1663-1738) also engraved this work. The work is “Mary by the grace of God, sovereign of Neufchâtel and Vallangin, duchess of Nemours” / « Marie par la grâce de Dieu, souveraine de Neufchâtel et Vallangin, duchesse de Nemours » Description of the work: Half-legged, seated, turned three-quarters to the left, looking straight on, the princess, whose left arm is folded across her chest, holds her crown placed on the table with her right hand. She is dressed in dark court attire, her head covered with a headdress whose tails are tied on the chest. A curtain and the base of a column constituting the second plan. Marie de Nemours, born in 1625 and died on June 16, 1707, is sovereign princess of Neuchâtel and Valangin. Daughter of Henri II of Orléans-Longueville and Louise de Bourbon-Condé, Mademoiselle de Soissons, she was known until her marriage under the name Marie d'Orléans, Mademoiselle de Longueville. Marie d'Orléans, only daughter of the Duke of Bourbon and Longueville, married Henri II of Savoy, last Duke of Nemours, in 1657. The court was surprised that the richest heiress in France agreed to marry this duke without possessions and without consideration, staid and boring. The Duke of Nemours suddenly fell ill and died on January 2, 1659. The Duchess of Nemours survived him for a long time. In 1694, she was recognized as sovereign of the principality of Neuchâtel and Vallangin (Switzerland), by the states of the country, to the exclusion of the Prince of Conti. She died in Paris on June 16, 1707, at the age of 82. Five months later, despite claims of misconduct by the suitors, the court of these same states awarded this small sovereignty to the King of Prussia. The Duchess of Nemours was said to be miserly and carefully hid her rank under cheap clothes. She was devout but suspicious and often changed her confessor. She left Memoirs, recognized to be remarkable for their accuracy, fidelity and charm of style. Hyacinthe Rigaud, famous painter to King Louis XIV, was born in 1659 and died in 1743. He was the major portraitist of the king and his Court at Versailles. Rigaud fixed for three centuries the image of the official portrait of European courts. On the advice of Le Brun, he devoted himself to portraiture, a genre which he elevated to its highest expression. He attracted the attention of the king and the Court with the portrait of Monsieur...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Drawings

Materials

Paper, Crayon

Fabric Merchants In Venice, Framed Pastel, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large framed pastel depicting silk merchants presenting their fabrics to wealthy clients in Venice. Illegible signature in the lower left corner. Pastel in good condition (pr...
Category

20th Century European Louis XIV Drawings

Materials

Acrylic

Nature Morte Au Bouquet, Glass Mosaic, Monogrammed CH, About 1980
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Nature Morte Au Bouquet, Glass Mosaic, Monogrammed CH, About 1980
Category

20th Century Belgian Louis XIV Drawings

Materials

Glass

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Late 19th Century Academic Drawing of Homer
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Louis Xiv drawings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV drawings 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 drawings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with crayon, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV drawings 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 drawings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $943 and tops out at $943 while the average work can sell for $943.

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