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Louis XV Busts

LOUIS XV STYLE

The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.

Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.

Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.

During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.

Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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Style: Louis XV
Female Bust In Carrara Marble, Late 18th Century, Northern Italy
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Female Bust In Carrara Marble, Late 18th Century, Northern Italy
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

French 19th Century Alabaster Sculpture of a Young Girl with a Bonnet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This 19th-century alabaster bust portrays a charming young girl with an exquisite profile. The statue, crafted in a pristine white hue, captures the innocence and grace of youth. The...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Alabaster

19th Century, French Terracotta Bust and Marble Base with Nobleman
Located in IT
Terracotta bust depicting nobleman, marble base, 19th century, France The refined bust depicts a nobleman dressed according to the fashion of the mid-eighteenth century in France. T...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century, French Terracotta Bust and Marble base with Noblewoman
Located in IT
Terracotta bust depicting noblewoman, marble base, 19th century, France The refined bust, made of terracotta, depicts a noblewoman dressed according to the fashion of the mid-eighte...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Bust Of Governor-general Alexandre De Lorraine
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Bust of Governor-General Alexandre de Lorraine, plaster after Jean Philippe Augustin Ollivier, known as Ollivier de Marseille
Category

20th Century European Louis XV Busts

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Mid-Century French Patinated Bronze Busts on Marble Bases Signed Moreau
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office shelf with this elegant pair of antique busts. Crafted in France circa 1950, both subject stand on a circular marble base and depict a Royalty couple in traditiona...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Ormolu & Marble Bust of Louise Brogniart After Houdon Signed Thiebaut Freres
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 6 1/2in W: 2 1/4in D: 2in This Antique French Ormolu Bronze And Marble bust of Louise Brogniart After Jean Antoine Houdon And Signed Thiebaut Fréres is an incredible example of 19th century french decor...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Marble Bust of a Young Girl, Italian, 19th Century
Located in Oakville, ON
A charming marble bust of a young girl, unsigned, execute in the mid 19th century in Italy. it is in very good condition and the expression of the girl is attractive from all angles.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble

Bust of Alexandre Brongniart First Half of 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Bust of Alexandre Brongniart, After Jean Antoine Houdon, first half of 20th century, painted plaster in faux terracotta finish on white circular waisted socle, some retouching to the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Louis XVI Style Bronze Houdon Bust
Located in New York, NY
French Louis XVI style (19th Century) bronze bust of two lovers on bronze square shaped base (signed HOUDON).  
Category

19th Century Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Bronze

French Plaster Corneilla Van Cleve Bust
Located in New York, NY
French large painted plaster bust replica of Corneilla Van Cleve (Signed by a French 18th Century artist) on round shaped base.  
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Pair of French Louis XV Metal Noblemen Busts
Located in New York, NY
Pair of similar French Louis XV style (19th century) metal busts of 18th century style Noblemen (signed POLI).  
Category

19th Century Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Metal

Bust of a Child in Terra Cotta from the 20th Century, Signed Gobet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bust of a child in terra cotta from the 20th century. Signed Gobet.   
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Cipri Adolf Bermann, German, 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Bacchus Herm Term
By Cipri Adolf Bermann
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cipri Adolf Bermann (German, 1862-1942) a very fine 19th century gilt-bronze miniature figure of a Bacchus Herm, depicting Bacchus, also known as Dionysus, the god of the grape harve...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Italian Bust in Statuary Marble on Later Plaster Pedestal, 18th-19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This headless bust in white marble adorned in 18th century clothing on a later plaster pedestal on square wooden base Dimensions of bust: Length 21"...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble

Gilt Bronze and Marble Sculpture Signed Affortunato Gory, Louis XV Style
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze and marble sculpture signed Affortunato Gory. Louis XV style. France, circa 1920. Carrara and Breccia marble.
Category

1920s French Vintage Louis XV Busts

Materials

Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Bust of Queen Marie Leczinska after Versailles Original
Located in New York, NY
French Sevres biscuit porcelain bust after Versailles original signed "1703-1768 Coustou." The bust portrays King Louis XV's Queen consort Mar...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

Related Items
Late 19th Century Antique Marble Bust Atala Signed A. Piazza Carrara
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautiful marble bust of a young woman Atala, handed carved of white Carrara marble in the 1890s signed A. Piazza, Carrara. Carrara is a city in Italy famous around the would for i...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Carrara Marble Portrait Bust by Auguste Moreau, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is beautiful antique French marble shoulder length bust of a beautiful maiden, signed Auguste Moreau, circa 1890 in date. The face and body has been sensitively modelled in Carrara marble with her head tilted to the right, her loose hair falling on her bare shoulders. There is no mistaking its unique design and superb quality, which is certain to attract attention and make it a talking point in any room of your home. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 53 x Width 33 x Depth 23 Dimensions in inches: Height 20.9 x Width 13.0 x Depth 9.1 Louis Auguste Moreau, 1855-1919, was a French sculptor best known for his bronze-cast figurines. His allegorical Art Nouveau works often depicted women, children, cherubs, and historical figures adorned with floral motifs and ornaments, and were influential to other artists working at the time. Born in Dijon, France in 1855 to a celebrated family of sculptors, including his father Auguste Moreau, he went on to regularly exhibit his work at the Paris Salon from 1861 on. The artist died in 1919 in France. Carrara marble - is a type of white or blue-grey marble popular for use in sculpture and building decor. It is quarried at the city of Carrara in the province of Massa-Carrara (Tuscany, Italy). Carrara marble has been used since the time of Ancient Rome; the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Rome are constructed of it. Many sculptures of the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo's David, were carved from Carrara marble. For Michelangelo at least, Carrara marble was valued above all other stone, except perhaps that of his own quarry in Pietrasanta. The Marble Arch in London and the Duomo di Siena are also made from this stone, as are the interiors of Manila Cathedral, the cold-white marbles of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the campus of Harvard Medical...
Category

1890s French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble

Beautiful Italian Holy Water Late 18th Century Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful late 18th century marble stoup Copy of the stoup located in the Romanesque church of the first century AD. of San Clemente in Rome. Body wit...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Carrara Marble Bust Sculpture Signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carrara marble bust sculpture signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Bust of Jean Mermoz by Alexandre Kelety, 1930
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco bronze sculpture bust of Jean Mermoz by Alexandre Kelety. Signed Kelety with foundry mark Les Neveux de Lehmann. Patinated b...
Category

1930s French Vintage Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Italian terracotta bust of a classical male. This monumental antique Italian terracotta bust sculpture of a classical Roman male is a well executed statement piece and...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Bust of Alexandre Brongniart First Half of 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Bust of Alexandre Brongniart, After Jean Antoine Houdon, first half of 20th century, painted plaster in faux terracotta finish on white circular waisted socle, some retouching to the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Plaster

Auguste Moreau Bronze & Marble Male & Female Lovers Sculpture Statue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Auguste Moreau bronze & marble male & female 28" lovers sculpture statue. Item features heavy cast bronze sculpture, marble base, wonderful detai...
Category

Late 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Very Fine Terracotta Bust of Alexandre Brongniart, After Jean-Antoine Houdon
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine early 20th century terracotta bust of Alexandre Brongniart, after the original work by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Demonstrating exacting proportions & finely sculpted features...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble

Signed Polychromed Bronze Sculpture of Woman in a Dress after Auguste Moreau
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bronze. Painted. Figural. 35 3/4" h x 16" w x 12" d. Condition Good condition.
Category

1990s European Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bust of Hermes
Located in New York, NY
A plaster bust of ancient Greek god, Hermes. Piece is plaster with a gold overlay on bust and a matte black overlay on base. A great decorative depicting the original ancient sculptu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Louis XV Busts

Materials

Composition

Bust of Hermes
Bust of Hermes
H 13 in W 7.75 in D 5 in
Good Plaster Bust of the Venus De Milo
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Good plaster bust of the Venus de Milo. A good plaster bust of the Venus de Milo this is a good quality bust, it is made in plaster and has a good aged patina The Bust shows in...
Category

Early 20th Century Louis XV Busts

Materials

Plaster

Previously Available Items
French Louis XV Parian Sculpture Bust of Marie Antoinett Signed L. Badessi c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XV parian bisque porcelian sculpture bust of Marie Antoinette, signed L. Badessi, circa 1880 Measures- 17''H x 9''W x 6.5''D
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Wood Painted Italian Bust of a Woman
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An hand-painted wood bust of a woman probably part of a big statue hand-carved in Italy in late 19th century. Item has signs of use and age as visible in th...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Fruitwood

Terracotta Bust of Marie Antoinette, After the Original by Augustin Pajou
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very beautiful terracotta bust of Marie Antoinette, after the original by Augustin Pajou, 19th Century, Louis XV style Measures: H: 72cm, W: 49cm, D: 27cm.
Category

19th Century European Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Buste of Diane in Bronze and Silver, Beginning of the 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Buste of Diane in bronze and silver. Beginning of the 20th century. Style Louis XV. Measures: H 37cm, L 20cm, P 14cm.    
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Bronze

Terracotta Bust of Louise Brongniart, after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century terracotta bust of and Infant Louise Brongniart after Jean-Antoine Houdon (French 1741-1828) raised on a later Blue T...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Marble

White Carrara Marble Bust
Located in Brussels, BE
Supposedly Sophie, daughter of Louis XV.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

White Carrara Marble Bust
White Carrara Marble Bust
H 31.89 in Dm 18.9 in
Buste of Diane in Bronze and Silver, Beginning of the 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Buste of Diane in bronze and silver. Beginning of the 20th century. Style Louis XV. Measures: H 37cm, L 20cm, P 14cm.   
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Bronze

Very Beautiful Bust of Terracotta Representing an Elegant, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very beautiful bust of terracotta representing an elegant of the 19th century, on a stone base, 19th century. Measures: H 57cm, L 36cm, P 22cm.
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Stone

Bust of a Child in Terra Cotta from the 20th Century, Signed Gobet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bust of a child in terra cotta from the 20th century. Signed Gobet.   
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Madame Pompadour .Depicted as Large Gilt Sphinx
Located in Nashville, TN
Both Madame Pompadour and DuBarry (mistresses to Louis XV ) often had head likeness depicted on a robed and tasseled body of a sphinx. Was a very popu...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Busts

Materials

Composition

Late 19th Century Porcelain Bust of King Louis XV
Located in New York, NY
19th century French Sevres biscuit porcelain bust portraying Louis XV in aristocratic attire supported by a gilt trimmed blue socle base. The bust, modeled after an eighteenth centur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Louis XV Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

Louis Xv busts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XV busts 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 busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XV busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include Affortunato Gory, Cipri Adolf Bermann, Coustou, and Thiebaut Freres. 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $695 and tops out at $17,884 while the average work can sell for $2,950.

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