Question 1

How do I identify Sèvres?

Accepted Answer

To identify Sèvres porcelain, look for the factory stamp. In most cases, the manufacturer placed the stamp on the bottom of the piece. It resembles two interlocking Ls and is usually blue in color. Normally, you will see a letter that corresponds to the manufacturing year inside of the logo. An authoritative online resource can help you determine the year of production based on the letter. You'll find a variety of expertly vetted Sèvres decorative objects and serveware on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 Sevres

Antique 1820s English Regency Tea Sets

Early 19th Century English Cup and Saucer Painted in the Sevres Fashion

Antique 1750s French Louis XV Porcelain

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Sevres Porcelain Cup Saucer by Bardet 1758

Antique 1750s French Louis XV Porcelain

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Sevres Porcelain Cup Saucer by Chulot 1758

Antique Late 18th Century French Rococo Jewelry Boxes

BEAUTIFUL PERFUMER Sevres end 18th Century

Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Bathroom Fixtures

French Sevres Porcelain Brass Ormolu Soap or Jewlery Dish Rococo, 18th Century

Antique Late 18th Century French Porcelain

Pair Sèvres Porcelain Tureens with Feuille-de-Choux Pattern Borders 18th Century

Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Porcelain

Sevres Porcelain Trinket Box

Antique 18th Century French Rococo Paintings

Mid-18th Century Hand Painted Porcelain Plaque Sèvres

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Vases

Antique French Sevres Porcelain Floral Enamel Decorated Vase C. 1770

Antique 18th Century French Neoclassical Urns

Pair of Sevres Porcelain Small Urns

Antique Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Centerpieces

French Bisque Neoclassical Porcelain Centrepiece Attributed Sevres

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Sèvres Crystal Side Table Lamp or Candleholder Signed, France

Antique Late 18th Century French Ceramics

Antique Pair of Sèvres Hand Painted Porcelain Baskets with Open Gallery

Antique 1760s French Porcelain

Antique Pair Large French Bleu Celeste Sevres Vases 18th Century

Antique 18th Century European Rococo Porcelain

Sèvres Bleu Céleste Porcelain Triple Salt Painted with Birds by Theodore C.1770

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Planters and Jardinieres

Pair Sevres Porcelain Cachepots

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Vases

Sèvres-style Neoclassical Urn after Clodion , Putti or Cherubs Frolicking

Early 20th Century French Rococo Animal Sculptures

Achille Bloch Porcelain Figure of Guinea Fowl, Dresden Style, ca 1900

Antique 1750s French Louis XV Porcelain

18th Century France Louis XV Porcelain Sévres Dish, 1758

Antique 18th Century French Other Serving Bowls

Sevres Jeweled 18th Century Gravy Bowl

Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Porcelain

18th Century France Louis Philippe Pair of Vases Sévre Porcelain Blue Gold, 1840

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Porcelain

18th Century Pair of Sévres Cache Pots

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Rococo Vases

Pair of Sevres Vases, 18th/19th Century

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Classical Roman Sculptures

Pair of Sevres Bisque Porcelain Bacchanal Figures

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Vases

Sevres Porcelaine Cache-Pot

Antique 1780s French Louis XV Porcelain

Oval Tureen and Cover of Sevres Porcelain, Turquoise Blue Ground, 18th Century

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Decorative Objects

Pair of 18th c. Sevres Portrait Roundels of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette

Antique Late 18th Century French Busts

Pair of 18th C. Sevres Porcelain Busts of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

French Table Lamps

Sevres Lamp

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Porcelain

Sèvres Porcelain Milk Jug, circa 1790

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Figurative Sculptures

A Pair Of Sevres Biscuit Porcelain Groups

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Clocks

Elegant French Louis XVI Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Pendule circa 1780

Antique 18th Century French Porcelain

Pair of 18th Century Sevres Hand-Painted Plates

Antique Late 18th Century Urns

18th Century French Sevres Porcelain Cup Saucer

Antique Late 18th Century French Vases

18th Century, French, Sevres Porcelain Cup Saucer

Antique Late 18th Century French Serving Bowls

18th-19th Century French Sèvres Porcelain Punch Bowl, Marked

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Porcelain

Antique Sèvres Louis XVI Hand-Painted Porcelain Tray Platter

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Platters and Serveware

Large Sevres Charger by Fumez

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Delft and Faience

Platter Strasbourg Aprey Faience with Marking as Seen on Pieces in Sevres Museum

21st Century and Contemporary American Porcelain