Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 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

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.

17th Century Horse

Antique 1670s Italian Renaissance Dining Room Tables

17th Century Italian Renaissance Walnut Table with Winged Horses Angels

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Grey Horse, Mid 17th Century

1680s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

17th century follower of Rubens, two military men on horse back in a landscape, circa 1680

Early 1700s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Karel BreydelAntique 17th or 18th century Dutch Men on horses in Battle in a landscape, Circa 1700

Early 1700s Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Karel BreydelAntique 17th or 18th century Dutch Men on horses in Battle in a landscape, Circa 1700

Antique 17th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Japanese Four-Panel Screen, Horses in Stable Setting

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Antique Chinese 16/17c Chinese Porcelain Ming Transitional Kraak Plate Horse

Antique 17th Century Chinese Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Rare Chinese Porcelain Ming Period Kosometsuke Plate Horses, ca 1600-1640

Antique 17th Century French Stone Sinks

Horse Trough Hand Carved Stone Container Sink Antiques Garden Los Angeles CA LA

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ceramics

Small Dish from Hatcher Collection Decorated with Horses

17th Century Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Bronze Horses Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Tuby, Circa 1670

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ceramics

Pair of Dishes from Hatcher Collection Decorated with Horses

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Antique Chinese Ko-Akae Porcelain Ming Transitional Horses Verte Pla

Antique 17th Century French Baroque Animal Sculptures

Pair of Bronze Horses Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Tuby

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Antique Ming Kosometsuke Chinese Porcelain Deep Dish Horses Tianqi Period

Antique 17th Century Chinese Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Antique Kangxi Chinese Porcelain Plate Horse Master of the Rocks, ca 1680-1700

Antique 17th Century Chinese Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Set of 3 Chinese Porcelain Kosometsuke Plates Tiger Horse, ca 1600-1660

Antique 17th Century European More Furniture and Collectibles

17th Century European Horse Stirrups

Antique Early 17th Century American American Colonial Sculptures and Car...

17th Century Iron Horse Door Knocker

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Baroque Arms, Armor and Weapons

17th Century Italian Bronze Horse Bit Boss

17th Century Old Masters Animal Prints

Adriaen Collaert17th century flemish engraving of horses in front of a landscape - Horse Animal

Mid-17th Century Old Masters Animal Paintings

Jan Wyck17th Century Oil Painting of Magnificent Horse The Grey Arabian , 1680

17th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Fine Dutch 17th Century Old Master Oil, Encampment Scene Figures/ Horses

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Late 16th Early 17th Century Italian Bronze Horse Bit Boss with Putto

19th Century Animal Paintings

John Frederick Herring JrHorses Watering On The Farmstead, 17th Century by John Frederick II HERRING

17th Century Old Masters Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Sebastien Leclerc Studies of Horses Sebastien Leclerc (French 1637-1714), 17th century

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Baroque Animal Sculptures

Italian Wrought Iron Horse

Antique 17th Century Chinese Ceramics

Small Dish from Hatcher Collection Decorated with Flying Horse

Antique Mid-17th Century Prints

Antique Print of Starfish and Sea Horses by J. Jonston, 1657

17th Century Landscape Paintings

Pieter van Bloemen 1A hunting party at an encampment, with horses and dogs

Antique Late 17th Century European Prints

Set of 5 Antique Horse Riding Prints – Equestrian Training Scenes, c.1680

Antique Late 17th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Wall-mounted Sculptures

Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift with Horse Dated 1784

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Antique Chinese circa 1600-1640 C Porcelain China Plate Horses Kosometsuk

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Planters and Jardinieres

Hand Carved Marble 17th Century Jardiniere

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures

Pair of 17th Century Chinese Horse Roof Tiles

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Prints

Framed Set Of Six 17th Century Black And White Prints Of Horses

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Belgian Paintings

17th Century Painting on canvas by Peter Van Bloemen

Early 17th Century Old Masters Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Antonio TempestaHorse Drawing - Studio of Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630)?, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens

Horses by Ocean Landscape

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Toys and Dolls

Karel Breydel
Antique 17th or 18th century Dutch Men on horses in Battle in a landscape, Circa 1700

Karel Breydel
Antique 17th or 18th century Dutch Men on horses in Battle in a landscape, Circa 1700

Adriaen Collaert
17th century flemish engraving of horses in front of a landscape - Horse Animal

Jan Wyck
17th Century Oil Painting of Magnificent Horse The Grey Arabian , 1680

John Frederick Herring Jr
Horses Watering On The Farmstead, 17th Century by John Frederick II HERRING

Sebastien Leclerc
Studies of Horses Sebastien Leclerc (French 1637-1714), 17th century

Pieter van Bloemen 1
A hunting party at an encampment, with horses and dogs

Antonio Tempesta
Horse Drawing - Studio of Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630)?, 17th Century