Question 1

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 2

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 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

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 5

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 6

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.

Question 7

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 8

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 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

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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.

18th Century Pastoral

18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Attributed to George MorlandCattle at Rest in a Landscape - British 18th century art pastoral oil painting, Circa 1790

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Boxes

Italian Sorrento box Inlaid with Pastoral Scene from the 18th century with Cupid

Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Ceramics

Imari Pastoral Elegance: Antique Deer Vase

Antique Late 18th Century French Rococo Mounted Objects

French Antique Hand Painted Folding Fan with Pastoral Scene

Antique Late 19th Century Wall-mounted Sculptures

Pair of 19th Century French Carved and Painted Pastoral Scenes Wall Plaques

Late 18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Peter la Cave (fl. 1789-1816)c. 1800 Shepherd Milk Maid with Cattle Pastoral Landscape Oil on Wood Panel, 1800

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Paintings

18th Century Pastoral Painting

Antique Early 1700s Dutch Paintings

18th Century Flemish Pastoral Landscape Inc Trees, Cows, Cattle Goat Sheep

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Trumeau Mirrors

Early 19th Century French Trumeau Mirror

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XVI Tapestries

Aubusson Pastoral Tapestry, 18th Century

Antique 1750s English Paintings

Frans van der Mijn Portrait of a Lady as Shepherdess

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Paintings

Painted Fan, Pastoral Scenes, possiby 18th Century

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Belgian Tapestries

18th c. Brussels Tapestry with pastoral scene

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Paintings

Pastoral Oil Painting on Canvas

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Outsider and Self Taught Art

English Silkwork Pastoral Scene

Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Tapestries

Silk Pastoral Needlework

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Paintings

French Pastoral Landscape Painting

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Trumeau Mirrors

Louis XVI Trumeau with Oval Pastoral Scene

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Belgian Tapestries

18th Century Flemish Tapestry

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Paintings

Italian Pastoral Over Door Oil Painting, Circa 1780

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Tapestries

Louis XIV Pastoral Tapestry from Aubusson, France

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Dutch Paintings

Follower of Nicolaes Berchem Pastoral oil painting on canvas

Antique Early 18th Century Belgian Tapestries

Magnificent Early 18th Century Brussels Tapestry

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Screens and Room Dividers

Pair of French 1780s Trompe-l Oeil Grisaille Hand-Painted Pastoral Screens

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Tapestries

Wool Tapestry

Antique 19th Century French Trumeau Mirrors

French Trumeau Mirror

Early 20th Century Dutch Delft and Faience

Tin-Glazed Blue White Dutch Delft Vase

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Bergere Chairs

Carved Walnut Louis XV Period Marked Delaporte Bergere

Late 18th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Frans van der Mijn18th Century Oil on Canvas Frans van der Mijn Portrait of a Lady as Shepherdess, 1750

Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XVI Tapestries

Aubusson Tapestry Pastoral, 18th Century

Early 18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

An Early 18th Century Flemish Pastoral Landscape Oil on Canvas, 1700

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Screens and Room Dividers

18th Century French Paravent Screen

Early 20th Century Italian Statues

Hand-Carved Vicenza Nearly Life-sized Stone Statues of Young Couple

18th Century Pastoral For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a 18th Century Pastoral?

More Ways To Browse

Attributed to George Morland
Cattle at Rest in a Landscape - British 18th century art pastoral oil painting, Circa 1790

Peter la Cave (fl. 1789-1816)
c. 1800 Shepherd Milk Maid with Cattle Pastoral Landscape Oil on Wood Panel, 1800

Frans van der Mijn
18th Century Oil on Canvas Frans van der Mijn Portrait of a Lady as Shepherdess, 1750