Question 1

Was there glass in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Were there cannons in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do you identify 18th-century furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How did art change in the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the most important painting of the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What furniture was used in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is 17th-century furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Question 9

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

Accepted Answer

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?

Accepted Answer

Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 11

Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.

Question 12

What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?

Accepted Answer

17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?

Accepted Answer

The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.

Question 14

Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?

Accepted Answer

The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.

Question 15

What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

15th Century Oak

Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Cupboards

15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir

Antique 16th Century French Gothic Fireplaces and Mantels

Rare 15th/16th Century Limestone and Oak Fireplace from France

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests

Rare 15th Century German Gothic Chest or Stollentruhe, Westphalia

Antique 18th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests

Important 15th c. German Gothic Chest

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Primitive Blanket Chests

Exceptional 14th Century Saxon Oak Chest

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Bookcases

Pair of Gothic Oak Bookcases

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Georgian Sideboards

English Bleached Oak Dresser Base

Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Louis XVI Desks and Writing Ta...

Dennis and Leen Belgian Louis XVI Style Oak Library Table

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Renaissance Candlesticks

Pair of Large Oak Renaissance Candlesticks

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Console Tables

White Oak Wood Sample

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Doors and Gates

Antique Doorway made of oak and walnut

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Cupboards

Gothic Cupboard from Flanders or Northern France

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Blanket Chests

Rare Gothic Chest of Flamboyant Style

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Renaissance Figurative Sculptures

Pieta in oak wood, Germany, circa 1500

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Gothic Figurative Sculptures

Gothic Sculpture of Saint James the Great ca. 1500

Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Medieval Wall-mounted Sculptures

French Medieval Relief Carved Oakwood Panel Depicting the Crucified Christ

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Side Tables

Ebonised Side Table, England circa 1680

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Figurative Sculptures

Important Virgin and Child in Majesty

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

52" Round Cocktail Table Tooled Leather Top in the Style of Robsjohn-Gibbings

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail ...

52" Round Cocktail Table Tooled Leather Top in the Style of Robsjohn-Gibbings

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Dutch Gothic Religious Items

Gothic Carving of Christ on the Cold Stone

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Religious Items

15th Century Rare English Oak Carved Sculpture of the Virgin, circa 1450

Antique 16th Century French Gothic Architectural Elements

15th / 17th Century French Weathered Oak Architectural Ornament / Mermaid Figure

2010s French Console Tables

Consoletable with 15th Century Stone Top on a Oak Trestle Base

Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Fireplaces and Mantels

Gothic Revival / Neo Gothic Fireplace carved oak - 19th - 15th panels - France

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Medieval Doors and Gates

Rare 13th Century Medieval English Oak Door

Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Blanket Chests

Important Gothic Oak Chest, 16th and 19th Century

15th Century and Earlier Gothic Figurative Sculptures

Saint John Evangelist. Carved oak., Circa 1450

Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Mounted Objects

Large French Medieval Gothic Carved Oak Fragment

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Console Tables

Sample Natural Palm Fiber, Oak wood Tzalam wood

Antique 15th Century and Earlier British Gothic Side Chairs

2 Light Golden Oak Dining Side Hall Chairs Gothic Steeple Back Antique Pugin

Antique 15th Century and Earlier British Gothic Sculptures and Carvings

Medieval Oak Corbel of a Satyr, English, circa 1450-1500

15th Century and Earlier Medieval Figurative Sculptures

Oak chest panel - end of the 15th century

Antique 19th Century Benches

Fine oak bench. Part late 15th, early 16th century.

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Gothic Blanket Chests

Rare 15th Century Gothic Oak Chest, German, circa 1450-1500

Antique 1850s French Gothic Revival Cabinets

15th Century French Style Gothic Revival Oak Cupboard Heavily Carved, circa 1850

Antique 1850s French Gothic Revival Cabinets

15th Century French Style Gothic Revival Oak Cupboard Heavily Carved, circa 1850

20th Century French Louis XV Fireplaces and Mantels

French Louis the 15th Style Oakwood Fireplace, 20th Century

Antique 15th Century and Earlier British Rustic Table Lamps

Large Bog Oak Side Lamp

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Folk Art More Folk Art