The French Kings Louis XIV, XV and XVI reigned over a thriving golden age of decorative arts in 18th-century France, and each had his own distinctive style that defined his era. From Rococo to Revolution: 18th-Century French Style at M.S. Rau Antiques celebrates the artistry and stylistic evolution of this unparalleled age of craftsmanship and design, with works by legendary makers such as Pierre Golle, François Linke, Sèvres and Aubusson.
Extravagant French Style

The exuberant, decorative aesthetics of the 18th century mirrored an aristocracy engaged in the pursuit of pleasure.

Items in the collection include:

 

  • An exquisite floral marquetry knee-hole desk made by Master Ebony Furniture-Maker-in-Ordinary to Louis XIV, Pierre Golle.

  • A remarkable rare silver gilt presentation sword, given to the Captain of the Corsairs, Alan Porée, by King Louis XV.

  • The superb painting Girl with a Dove by celebrated 18th-century genre painter Jean-Baptiste Charpentier.

  • A stunning pair of period Louis XVI three-light silver candelabra, each bearing the mark of Jacques-Charles Mongenot.
“Aristocracy will be the most ambitious public exhibition from M.S. Rau to date. It weaves a compelling narrative about the intersection of entertainment and innovation, and is the first of its kind to explore the culture of 19th-century leisure on such a grand and comprehensive scale.”
— Bill Rau, owner of M.S. Rau Antiques.
EXPERIENCE THE EXHIBITION
Explore the Collection

Edwin Henry Landseer, Portrait of an Arab Mare with Her Foal

Pieter Claesz Soutman
Portrait of a Lady

First-Edition Portland Vase by Wedgwood

Preview the Collection

On view at M.S. Rau Antiques'
French Quarter gallery

February 2 - March 22, 2018

Monday - Saturday
9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION

630 Royal Street
New Orleans

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M.S. Rau Antiques

Located in the heart of the
historic French Quarter 

630 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

504-273-7391
rauantiques.com
info@rauantiques.com


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A Life of Leisure
Through four main themes, the exhibition offers an intriguing glimpse into the extravagance and spectacle of this superlative period.

THE GREAT EXHIBITION

THE GRAND TOUR

THE LONDON SEASON

THE COUNTRY ESTATE

The Royal Boulle Marquetry Commode

Rococo Vitrine by Linke and Zwiener

Girl with a Dove by Jean-Baptiste Charpentier

French Gilt-Bronze Louis XIV Equestrian Sculpture

High Society Genre Scene by J Corneau