Directoire Decorative Objects
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
Jaeguer Le coultre Atmos table clock
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jaeguer Le coultre Atmos table clock
Atmos Model Directory Style
Origin Switzerland Circa 1970
Excellent condition. minimal natural wear due to its age
Works correctly
Materials Gild...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Sophisticated Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795.
Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
From the model of Pompeo Marchesi - Sculpture, Sitting Manly Portrait (Ariodante) -
Located in Felino, IT
Sculptural reproduction in vitrified stone and reinforced plaster . Copy of "Seated Manly Portrait," by Vittorio Alfieri, made by Pompeo Marchesi (ca. 1840). Signature on the base "A...
Category
1940s European Vintage Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Directoire Crystal Spindle Vase, « Wolf’s Heads » Bronze mount, Attr. Thomire
Located in Paris, FR
Outstanding spindle vase in heavy cut crystal.
Probably Cristallerie du Creusot (Baccarat) or Imperial Glassworks de Saint-Petersourg, around 1800.
The fixture with antique profi...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Directoire Antique French Candlesticks
By France"
Located in DELFT, NL
French Directoire Period brass Candlesticks.
The detachable socles set within urn shaped holders, baluster-shaped stems, terminating on circular bases.
Some rubbing and wear.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
A Pair of Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, in the style of Directoire
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Pair of Elegant and Ornate Gilt Bronze Candlesticks from the 19th Century. In the style of Directoire.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Directoire Giltwood Frame
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Directoire style giltwood picture frame. Fine quality heavy molding with warm gilt finish. Very good condition with minor losses. Nice scale for use as a mirro...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood
Pair Of French Directoire Tole Verriere
Located in Essex, MA
Each oval with handles. Chartreuse color with black classical scene panels. Copper liners. Rusting in spots.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Tin
French Directoire Pendule Clock with Swans and Putti Paris 1790/1800
Located in Münster, DE
France Directoire Mantle Clock, around 1790/1800, figural depiction of two putti with swans, bronze, fire-gilded and dark patinated, on white enamel dial inscribed "Sauvage à Paris",...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Directoire Bronze and Marble Neo-Classical Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This amazing pair of Louis XVI / Directoire period candelabra are of the finest quality.
The figures are modeled as Roman Vestal Virgins issuing three scrolling acanthus leaf candle ...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Miniature Walnut Commode
Located in Greenwich, CT
Early 19th Century walnut commode, the inlaid top with cookie corners over turned and fluted legs flanking three inlaid drawers and standing on turned turnip feet, French or Italian ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ebony, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine
French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
A Directoire Ormolu with black marble French pillar clock, three and a half inch enamel dial with Roman numerals signed ‘Viven Fils a Epernay’ with...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of Sophisticated Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795. Beautifully decorated with leaves.
Wear consistent with age an...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots.
By Aprey.
Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience
Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 2 Light Tole Candelabra Parlor Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a fluted column with round dish ...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century Pair of Directoire Silver metal
Bronze Directoire Candlesticks
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of French Directory period candlesticks, early 19th century, in silver bronze with base decoration with concentric arches, upper part decorated with a small filigree of plant mo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Directoire Style Lion Mask X Form Vintage Planters Jardinieres
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Magnificent Gilt Bronze Ring Holder, Period: Art Deco, Marie-Antoinette Effigy
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Magnificent ring sizer, old jewelry holder in gilded bronze, effigy of Marie Antoinette.
Face-to-face, hairbrush, ring sizer, perfume sprayer are among the essential accessories resting on dressing tables of all eras.
Period: 20th century
circa: 1930
Measures: ø: 18cm
The ring has become a piece of jewelry that we wear every day. We change it, we adapt it according to our activities.
Do you know the history of this precious jewel?
The first rings date back to prehistoric times and were discovered around 21,000 BC. They are fine mammoth ivory rings...
Category
20th Century Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 3 Light Pierced Tole Candelabra Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a pierced / reticulated base wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of French Directoire Candlesticks Made in the 1790s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of French candlesticks in a wonderful condition. White marble mounted with bronze ornaments. The quality of the castings and chiseling is high. the design is romantic and beau...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Directoire Gilt-Bronze Marble Mounted Chariot Clock, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and delicate directoire style gilt-bronze marble mounted chariot clock. Exquisite bronze work depicting a winged charioteer guiding a pair of...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Directoire Candlesticks, circa 1790
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of rare and beautiful French Directoire candlesticks in gilt bronze from the late 18th century.
In very good antique condition.
Marked in the lower part of the foot with "13...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of Directoire period gilt and patinated bronze and black and white marble candelabras. They present a decoration of winged sphinxes in patinated bronze carrying on their heads...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique Directoire Style Verre Églomisé Glass Barometer
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style verre églomisé glass barometer, 19th century. Barometer is not functional it is purely decorative.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Very Fine Directoire Style French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble (Rosso Levanto) Mantel Clock. 19th Century.
movement stamped 1075.
Measures: height 16 1/2" x width 18" x depth 5 1/2"
C...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Directoire Pendule, Black Marble, Firegilded Bronze, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique portal clock
France
marble, bronze, enamel
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 28 x 14 cm
Description:
Antique portal c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Pair of Ceramic Amphoras with figurative Scenes, Blue and Gold, around 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of amphorae with handles in the shape of caryatids and Asian decor. Slightly damaged.
Category
1830s European Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Large Candelabra-Candlesticks in Gilded Wood, France Directoire Period
Located in Paris, FR
Two large candelabra-candlesticksdecorated with lion claw and cherub heads on the on the visible side .
They are turned wood and are decorated, engraved and gilded only on one side ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Portico Clock, Directoire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Portico clock in chiseled and gilt bronze composed of a rectangular base in white marble. Architecture with two columns topped by griffins holding the di...
Category
1790s European Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Napoleon III Striking Porcelain Mantel Clock, the Flawless Beauty of Porcelain
Located in Warsaw, PL
Porcelain gives us perfect beauty, naked and extremely luxurious. Not all materials can bring pure beauty but no less strong before times. Thanks to its hard and sturdy construction,...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Gold Plate
Pair of Neoclassical Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figural Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French late 18th-early 19th century neoclassical directoire gilt and patinated bronze figural candelabras on marble bases.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Comtoise Clock Movement
Located in Denton, TX
A great industrial accent for a tabletop or bookshelf the combination of brass and steel gears and a bronze bell. This movement is in non working condition and is used for decorative...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Iron
Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The oval base raised on toupie feet, centered with a panel of hunting dogs with hunting trophies on each side, the case supported by a landscaped scenery of water and rocks and surmo...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Directoire Diminutive Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant and a Similar Diminutive
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Directoire diminutive walnut Secrétaire a' Abattant and a similar diminutive five-drawer chest. Great small drinks table or jewelry chest. Great attention paid to det...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Directoire Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock by Deverberie
By Deverberrie
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This is a classic Directoire period clock by the famous clock maker Deverberie. The drum-shaped clock is surmounted by an ormolu basket of flowers with festoons of foliage and flower...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century French Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a late 18th century Directoir marble and gilt bronze clock after a model by Deverberie. The dial is signed a Paris but the maker is not known. The clock sits on...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Sèvres Neoclassical Ormolu and Bisque Porcelain Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Directoire clock attributed to Sèvres. Beautifully sculpted biscuit porcelain in white and Wedgwood blue jasper ware col...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie
Located in Essex, MA
Period French marble and ormolu mantel clock with sunburst or sun king motif original works. Gilding in great condition. Neoclassical form with enamel embellishments in great conditi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Directoire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Maniere
By C. Maniere
Located in London, GB
French Directoire period ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock signed Maniere a Paris. A magnificent antique French Directoire mantel clock in patinated bronze and finest ormolu signed Maniere a Paris for Charles-Guillaume Maniere who was working in the Rue...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Ormolu and Patinated Bronze French Directoire Striking Clock, c1790
Located in valatie, NY
This graceful gilt bronze striking clock is from France’s Directoire period. The clocks white enameled face has black Roman numerals and is framed with ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of gilded and sculpted bronze candelabra with four branches each. The branches curve to form trumpets and foliated scrollwork on one end and sockets on the other end. The socket...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers
Located in Kittery Point, ME
In the neoclassical taste, the open reeded spouts above ovoid bodies with leaf-clasped socles on square bases, the handles terminating in a female mask.
This pair of ewers...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp For Candlestick
Located in Copenhagen, K
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp With Candle Holder
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century French Skeleton Clock of Ormolu and Marble from Directoire Period
Located in London, GB
A symbolic skeleton clock from the French Directoire period.
A rectangular Carrara marble plinth with bronze toupie feet with knurled decoration supports an ormolu 'arc-de-ciel', wi...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
1795 Clock Time Period Directory has l Ouroboros in Bronze Two-Colour
By Louis Jacques Vaillant
Located in Paris, FR
Clock Time Period skated and golden bronze, or moulu, Directory has l yet, allegory has l Ouroboros, decoration of winged griffons, urn , stars, caduceus...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Directoire Terracotta Frieze
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A carved frieze of three terracotta panels of dancing maidens: French Directoire
From the frieze of a rotunda.
Repaired breaks
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Pinwheel Portico Clock
Located in Stamford, CT
A French Empire pinwheel portico clock with figured amboyna wood. Signed Rieussec, Horlogier du Roi.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Amboyna
Early 19th Century French Ormolu-Gilded Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, K
French cut-glass, Palisander and ormolu inkwell. Sneaks as handle and claw on ball feet. Original glass wells and two drawers.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Directoire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Jean-Simon Deverberie, C. Maniere, Deroche, and Deverberrie. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $40,971 while the average work can sell for $4,357.
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