Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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 Spanish

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Wall-mounted Sculptures

Ceramic Hand Painted Artwork by Diaz COSTA, circa 1960

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Books

Terra: Miquel Arnal s Stunning Photo Book

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Books

1986 Antoni Tàpies Book: Tapies i la Nova Cultura

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Architectural Elements

Roman Aqueduct Fragment

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Islamic Religious Items

Rare Antik Judaic Kiddush Cup Medieval Period

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Architectural Elements

1450s Hand Carved Stone Ceiling Keystone, Gothic with Characteristic Points

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Rare limonite formation

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Large finest blue-purple fluorite

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Stunning blue-purple fluorite with pyrite

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Blue Fluorite cluster

2010s Spanish Pillows and Throws

Viso Merino Pillow V106

2010s Spanish Pillows and Throws

Viso Merino Blanket V45

Vintage 1940s Italian Armchairs

Pair of Italian Curule Campaign Chairs in Wood and Chartreuse Velvet

Antique 16th Century European Primitive Glass

15th, 16th Century Spanish, Green Glass Bottle

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Religious Items

"Crucifixion" Gothic, Aragonese School, 15th Century

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Rustic Bottles

Collection of Three 14th-15th Century Glass Vessels

Antique 16th Century Spanish Primitive Bottles

Collection of Three European 15th-16th Century Green Glass Lidded Vessels

Antique 16th Century Spanish Rustic Antiquities

Collection of Eight Glass Pestles 15th-16th Century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Gothic Glass

Collection of Five 15th-16th Century European Bottles

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Paintings

Spanish 16th Century Saint John The Baptist Fresco

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Pyrite Clusters on Basalt From Navajun, Spain

Antique 1830s Spanish Georgian Bridal Rings

Antique 1840 Iberian Rose Cut Diamond Ring (Spain Origin)

20th Century American Books

"Antique Spanish Furniture" Book, First Edition

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Sunburst Mirrors

19th Century Sunburst Mirror

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Medieval Architectural Elements

12th Century Sandstone Zodiac Sundial

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Medieval Religious Items

Medieval Period Judaica Terracotta Tile Representing the Star of David

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Medieval Architectural Elements

Romanesque Column Stone Architectural Fragment

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Medieval Cuff Bracelets

Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold "Romeo Juliet" Cuff Bracelet

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Rustic Garden Ornaments

Two European Cloches, circa 1400s-1500s

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

Exceptional blue-purple fluorite with pyrite

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Set of 11 Antique Prints

Antique Early 19th Century Maps

Original Engraving of Tobago, West Indies, Caribbean by John Thomson 1816

Antique 1890s American Books

Washington Irving s "Knickerbocker s History of New York"

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Spanish Paintings

Veil of Monica Spanish 15th Century Painting Leather

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Stone Sinks

Antique Stone Baptismal Font from the 14th Century Depicting the 12 Apostles

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Medieval Figurative Sculptures

Extraordinary medieval Saint Bartholomew sculpture

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish More Furniture and Collectibles

Iron Grille

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Wallets

Dior Navy Blue Leather Turn Me Gusset Card Case

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Religious Items

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Natural Specimens

José Royo
Marina