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

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 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 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 Ship

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Colonial Sculptures and Carvings

Antique Spanish Colonial Carved Ship Prow Sculpture

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Folk Art Trunks and Luggage

Antique Trunk Painted Wood Ship Sailing Boat

Antique Mid-18th Century Prints

Antique Print of the HMS Grafton Ship by Boyce, 1758

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of Two Portuguese Ships by Stöttrup, circa 1780

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Prints

Antique Print of Cananore India with Ships by Valentijn, 1726

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Pitchers

Liverpool Creamware American Ship Jug, Possibly Herculaneum Pottery, Liverpool

Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork

Old Japanese Copper Vase / Hanging Vase / Ship-Shaped Copper Vase

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Glass

Mid Georgian Ship s "Firing" Drinking Glass Hand-blown, English circa 1760

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Grandfather Clocks and Long...

Period English George III Mahogany Long Case Close with Rocking Ship Automaton

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Original Antique Optica Print of a Ship on Fire in the French Harbour of Brest

Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Arms, Armor and Wea...

Revolutionary / War of 1812 Shot Bar Double Cannon Ball Chain Shot Sailing Ships

Late 20th Century French Blouses

Hermes Paris Silk 18th Century Style Nautical Exploration Blouse cira 1990s

Antique 1880s Great Britain (UK) Lanterns

Antique 1880 Solid Brass Ship Lanterns by Davey and Co., London, England

Vintage 1940s Italian Empire Revival Chandeliers and Pendants

1940 s Italian Iron Hanging Lamp with Sailing Ship after Gio Ponti

Antique Mid-18th Century Prints

Naval Ingenuity at Sea: HMS Grafton s Homeward Voyage, 1758

Mid-20th Century French Nautical Objects

Portuguese Brass Frigate Model Boat, circa 1960

Mid-20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Trevor CoveyLarge British Maritime Oil Painting Napoleonic Battleships in the Solent, c.1970 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Scottish SchoolEilean Donan Castle Scotland Original 1950 s Painting Highland Loch Landscape, 1950 s

1960s French Scarves

Hermès Scarf entitled Jonques et Sampans by Françoise de la Perrière Circa 1966

1990s Realist Portrait Paintings

Louis LetoucheAmerigo Vespucci, signed oil painting, C. 1995

Antique 19th Century Vases

Shell jar (Ship wreck jar)

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Wall Mirrors

18th Century French Trumeau Mirror with Ship

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Pottery

Chinese Export Porcelain Tankard, Ship and American Flags 18th Century

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Pottery

English Delftware blue and white tile with ship in a storm 18th century

18th Century Naturalistic Figurative Prints

Claude-Joseph VernetCostal Harbour Landscape with a Ship and brewing Storm - 18th Century Engraving, 1773

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Paintings

Wonderful 18th Cent Primitive English Painting of a Ship

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Side Tables

Georgian Ships Table

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Console Tables

18th Century Ornate Chinese Carved English Console

Antique 1780s Maltese Baroque Paintings

Fortress on Malta with Ships and People 18th Century Oil Painting, circa 1780

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Decorative Art

Set of Six Ship Engravings

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Decorative Objects

Antique Ship Snuff Box

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Flush Mount

Iron Ship s Sphere Light

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Clocks

Brass and Nickel Ships Clock

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Greco Roman Figurative Sculptures

Figurehead of a Model Ship

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Cocktail Rings

Georgian Nelson Era Micro Carved Ship Ring

Antique 19th Century Paintings

"Ships in the Estuary of the Maas near Dordrecht."

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Pottery

Antique English creamware pitcher with sailing ship "Caroline" flying US flag

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Portuguese Desks and Writing Tables

Rare Portuguese Brass Veneered "Ship s Desk" with Parquetry Top c.1690

Antique 19th Century Japanese Screens and Room Dividers

Exceptional Pair of Japanese Kano School Screens

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Trevor Covey
Large British Maritime Oil Painting Napoleonic Battleships in the Solent, c.1970 s

Scottish School
Eilean Donan Castle Scotland Original 1950 s Painting Highland Loch Landscape, 1950 s

Louis Letouche
Amerigo Vespucci, signed oil painting, C. 1995

Claude-Joseph Vernet
Costal Harbour Landscape with a Ship and brewing Storm - 18th Century Engraving, 1773