Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
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.
1840s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
1840s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Cherry
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Mirror, Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Porcelain, Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1840s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Velvet, Palisander
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Giltwood
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Leaf
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Ash, Mahogany
19th Century Italian Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
Late 18th Century Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Other
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
1970s Swiss Vintage Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass, Wood
19th Century Belarusian Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Brass, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Canvas, Giltwood
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Yarn, Giltwood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
1840s European Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Copper
Mid-20th Century French Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Velvet, Walnut
Late 19th Century Sicilian Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Velvet, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Velvet, Walnut
1840s French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Oak
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass