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

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

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 9

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 10

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 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

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.

17th Century Tile

Antique 17th Century Italian Ceramics

Antique Painted Tile from Italy, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Italian Ceramics

Antique Painted Tile from Italy, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Italian Ceramics

Antique Painted Tile from Italy, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Delft and Faience

Set of four 17th century Dutch Delft tiles

Antique 17th Century Dutch Decorative Art

Antique 17th Century Dutch Delft Framed Floral Tile

Antique 17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

17th Century Dutch Delft Tiles Flower and Basket Blue and White Tulip

Antique 17th Century Flooring

Rare 17th-Century Delft Tile Flower Pot with Tin Hexagonal Frame

Antique 17th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Antique Dutch Delft Ceramic Tile, Hand Painted Tulips, Holland, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Spanish Ceramics

17th Century Spanish Set of 2 Framed Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Antique 17th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Four 17th Century Dutch Delft Ceramic Wall Tiles Polychrome Tulips, Circa 1640

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

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

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

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

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

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

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Elephant, Mid-17th Century

Antique 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Ceramics

17th Century Portuguese "Azulejos" Panel "Vase"

Antique 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Ceramics

17th Century Portuguese " Azulejos " Panel " Vase "

Antique 17th Century Portuguese Baroque Ceramics

17th Century Portuguese " Azulejos " Panel " Vase "

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Chinese Sancai Glazed Warrior Roof Ridge Tile, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century, China

Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Four 17th Century Delft Ceramic Wall Tiles Blue and White Tulip Pattern, Dutch

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Fat Cat, Mid 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Four 17th Century Dutch Delft Ceramic Wall Tiles Blue and White Hand Painted

Antique 1630s Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

17th Century Dutch Delft Tile with decoration of a Goat

Antique 1660s Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile with Carnation, 17th Century

Antique 17th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Three 17th Century Delft Ceramic Wall Tiles 1 Polychrome and 2 Blue and White

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

17th Century Dutch Delft Tiles of Mermaids, Mermen and Sea Creatures, Set of 20

Antique 1630s Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

Blue and White Dutch Delft Tile: Vase with flowers, 17th Century

Antique 18th Century Dutch Baroque Delft and Faience

18th Century Delft Tiles Oak Framed Blue and White Mermaid Dutch Delftware Tiles

Antique 16th Century Dutch Renaissance Card Tables and Tea Tables

17th Cent. Delft Tile Inset into a 18th Cent. Dutch Side Table with Paint Decor

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Jacobean Flooring

Five Antique Delft Tiles Featuring Horsemen

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Architectural Elements

Set of 10 Delft miniature landscape tiles, c. 1650

Antique Early 17th Century Dutch Renaissance Delft and Faience

Set of 9 Polychrome Dutch Delft Tiles with Flower Vases

Antique Mid-18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements

Five 18th Century Delft Blue and White Animal Tiles in Hardwood Frames, Ca 1750

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Portuguese Architectural Elements

17th Century Tile Table Top

Antique 17th Century Chinese Abstract Sculptures

Late 17th Century Chinese Roof Tile

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch More Desk Accessories

Mid-17th Century Delfts Blue Tile Hand-Painted

Antique 17th Century Dutch Architectural Elements

Nine Antique Dutch Earthenware Tiles from the 17th Century and Younger

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Portuguese Panelling

Rare 17th Century Portuguese Blue on White Azulejo - Tile Panel

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures

Pair of 17th Century Chinese Horse Roof Tiles

Antique 17th Century Thai Mounted Objects

Set of Three 17th Century Stone Roof Tiles on Mounted on Iron Bases, Thaliand

Antique Mid-17th Century Portuguese Ceramics