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 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 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

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 7

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 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.

16th Century Oak

Antique Early 1800s English Regency Urns

Regency Period Carved Stripped Pine Neoclassical Architectural Urn, circa 1800

Antique 16th Century Dutch Cupboards

Rustic Farmhouse Cupboard Table 16th Century Dutch Solid Oak

Antique 16th Century Dutch Primitive Cupboards

Primitive Farmhouse Cupboard Table 16th Century Dutch Solid Oak

Antique 16th Century Dutch Primitive Cupboards

Farmhouse Cupboard Table Primitive 16th Century Dutch Solid Oak

Antique 16th Century Tudor Center Tables

16th Century Original and Untouched Elizabethan Oak Side Table, circa 1585

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Religious Items

Corpus Christi 16th Century

Antique 16th Century Dutch Renaissance Paintings

Oil on Oak Panel, "The Flagellation of Christ" Flemish, Late 16th Century

Antique 16th Century Belgian Gothic Blanket Chests

16th Century, Gothic Iron Bound Oak Chest, Flemish, circa 1500-1540

Antique 16th Century British Renaissance Decorative Boxes

16th Century, Elizabeth I, Oak Chestnut Table Cabinet, circa 1580-1600

Antique 16th Century English Tudor Tables

16th Century Tudor Carved Oak Refectory Table with Plank Top and Carved Base

Antique 16th Century Primitive Cupboards

Rare 16th Century Dutch Solid Oak Cupboard Featuring Drop-Down Farmhouse Table

Antique 17th Century Dutch Baroque Wall-mounted Sculptures

Pair of Carved Oak Gilt Panels, Flanders Late 16th Century

Antique 16th Century British Tudor Blanket Chests

Small Tudor Oak Boarded Chest, Mid-16th Century, English, circa 1540-1560

Antique 19th Century Benches

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

Antique 16th Century Dutch Renaissance Paintings

"Holy Family with an Angel" Oil on Oak, Antwerpen Workshop, Mid-16th Century

Antique 16th Century French Gothic Decorative Boxes

16th Century, Gothic Iron Bound Casket, French, Circa 1500-1540

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English End Tables

A 16th Century English 1 drawer Table

Antique 16th Century English Wall-mounted Sculptures

Henry VIII Carved Oak Armorial Panel

Antique 16th Century Other Tables

Solid Oak Gate Leg Side Table, circa 1920

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Medieval Console Tables

Medieval Antique English Oak Console Table.

Antique 16th Century English Animal Sculptures

Pair of Tudor Carved Oak and Oil Gilt Lions

Antique 16th Century British Gothic Sculptures and Carvings

Medieval Tudor Rose Oak Ceiling Boss, English

Antique 16th Century Medieval Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Elizabethan Gothic Oak Carved Panels, Dated 1552

Antique 16th Century British Elizabethan Blanket Chests

Elizabethan Oak Chest, Somerset, England, circa 1600

Antique 16th Century British Elizabethan Cupboards

Elizabethan Oak and Inlaid Court Cupboard, English, circa 1580-1600

Antique 16th Century British Gothic Blanket Chests

Tudor, Elizabethan Boarded Oak Chest, English, circa 1540-1560

Antique 16th Century European Renaissance Cupboards

Elizabethan Inlaid Oak Mural / Wall or Glass Cupboard, circa 1590-1600

Antique 16th Century British Renaissance Cabinets

Elizabethan Inlaid Oak Mural or Wall or Glass Cupboard, circa 1590-1600

Antique 16th Century Great Britain (UK) Elizabethan Fireplaces and Mantels

Elizabethan Polychrome Oak Royal Coat of Arms, English, Tudor, circa 1560-1580

Antique 16th Century British Elizabethan Cabinets

Elizabethan Pine, Oak, and Pen-Work Decorated Wall Glass Cupboard, circa 1580

Antique 16th Century British Elizabethan Stools

Oak Joined Stool, Late Elizabethan or James I, English, circa 1600-1620

Vintage 1930s British Side Tables

A Robert Thompson "Mouseman" Unusual Oak Wine Table

Antique 16th Century Belgian Renaissance Paintings

"Virgin and Child", Oil on Panel

Antique 16th Century English Elizabethan Tables

Rare Elizabethan Table

Antique 16th Century Great Britain (UK) Elizabethan Footstools

Elizabethan Upholstered Low Stool

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Dutch Baroque Sculptures

A Set of 3 Flemish Renaissance Carvings

Antique Late 19th Century English Tudor Armchairs

Turner Chair

Antique 16th Century Renaissance Blanket Chests

16th Century Fruitwood Inlaid Oak, Elmwood Marquetry Renaissance Coffer

Antique 16th Century English Elizabethan Dining Room Tables

Antique Oak Dining Table Elizabethan Draw Leaf Parquetry, 16th Century

Antique 16th Century Belgian Gothic Figurative Sculptures