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.
Large Empire Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1820-1830. A large-scale early 19th century bronze and gilt bronze mantel clock, the clocks hunting theme, featuring three different scenes. The bronze Diana...
Bronze, Ormolu
Louis Philippe table lamp, Paris porcelain style circa 1850
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Louis Philippe table lamp, Paris porcelain style circa 1850 ceramic height alone: 30 cm
Porcelain
French 19th Century Desk Chair
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Handsome 19th century desk chair raised on turned front legs, on original brass casters and saber back legs. Upholstered in original antique faux-le...
Wood
19th Century Louis Philippe Fireplace Mantel
Located in Zedelgem, BE
Louis Philippe Fireplace mantel, in 'Pierre de France', and dating from the 19th century. Inside dimensions : 54cm wide and 77cm high
Limestone
Cruchley's New Plan of London - 1840 Edition Origi folding map
Located in Vicenza, IT
Original folding map, mounted on canvas Rare and fascinating map of the city of London published by George Frederick Cruchley, entitled Cruchley's New Plan of London, in this edition...
Paper
Madonna and Child - Embroidery on silk, late 19th/early 20th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Delightful devotional embroidery on ivory silk, depicting the Madonna and Child. The subject, taken from traditional iconographic patterns, is rendered with great sensitivity through...
Fabric
Large 19th Century Elaborate French Ormolu on Brass Fire Fender
Located in GB
A large elaborate French ormolu on brass fire fender with fire urns in the centre moving to the heads of Bacchus on each side of the outer urns set upon pilla...
Brass
Restoration Period Console Table Made for King Louis-Philippe, circa 1830
By Jean-Christophe Fischer
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A highly important restoration period maple and Amaranth veneered console table with patinated bronze female term supports, made for King Louis-Philippe by Jean-Christophe Fischer. French, circa 1830. This rare console table has a rectangular marble top above a frieze with two drawers raised on finely cast patinated bronze female term supports, a mirrored back and a plinth base. The table is stamped ‘Fischer à Paris’ and with ‘LPN’ beneath a crown for Louis-Philippe Neuilly, and the number 13687. The locks stamped 'Huby Fils Serrurier a Paris'. This console table was formerly owned by Louis-Philippe, King of France, at the Château de Neuilly. Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orléans, was born October 6, 1773 in Paris, the eldest son of Louis-Philippe-Joseph, Duc de Chartres. The Château de Neuilly was built for Marc-Pierre de Voyer d'Argenson. It was purchased in 1818 by Louis Philippe, who was then proclaimed King of the French on April 9, 1830. The château was looted and destroyed during the 1848 revolution. After his abdication, Louis-Philippe spent the last two years of his life in England. Jean-Christophe Fischer (1779-1854) was an important French ébéniste and bronzier, specialising in making furniture, mirrors and chairs. He had an established business in Paris from 1820 until his death in 1854. During this time he produced furniture for the King Louis Philippe, for his Château de Neuilly residency, amongst other important commissions. From 1820 to 1827 he was collaborating with Geoffrey Kopp under the name of Fisher and Kopp, he was then joined in 1839 by his son, who took over the company in 1848. In 1837 he participated in the Exposition de l'Industrie Francaise, where he exhibited a cylinder bureau, a table and a pair of consoles, winning a silver medal for his work. According to the Exhibition's report: "ses meubles se distinguaient autant par la perfection du travail que par l'élégance des formes; ils étaient en palissandre relevée seulement par des baguettes dorées ou en bois blanc. Un bureau a cylindre, une table de travail et deux consoles, nous ont paru les plus remarquables de l'Exposition." In 1844, he also participated in the Exposition de l'Industrie Francaise where he received a Gold Medal for his work with ebony and bronze. Exhibitions: Museum of Decorative Arts, Masterpieces of the great cabinetmakers, n.51 a desk with filing cabinet...
Bronze
19th Century Louis Philippe Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Zedelgem, BE
Louis Philippe Fireplace Mantel, dating from the 19th Century. Inside dimensions : 108cm wide x 83cm high.
Limestone