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.

Angel 17th Century

Antique 18th Century French Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Small 17th-18th Century French Hand Carved and Gilded Oak Angel

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Pair of 17th Century Italian Angels with Mica Wings and Selenite on Lucite

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Giovanni Giuseppe Del Sole17th Century Italian Old Master drawing of three angels, a study for larger work

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Architectural Elements

Pair of 17th-18th Century Italian Painted Wooden Baroque Panels with Angels

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Small 17th-18th Century French Weathered Wooden Fragment of an Angel Head

Antique 17th Century Baroque Prints

17th cent. etching of Hagar and the Angel by Marco San Martino

Antique 18th Century French Baroque Religious Items

17th / 18th Century French Carved Oak Baroque Altar Niche with Angel Head

20th Century English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels

Cast Iron Fire Back, 17th Century Revival, Plate, Figures and Angel, Late C20th

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Italian 17/18th Century Carved Limestone Angel Head

Late 17th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Tobias and the Angel, circa 1680

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Large 17/18th Century Italian Carved Carrara Marble Baroque Angel Fragment

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Italian 17/18th Century Baroque Marble Panel Presenting Abundantia with Angels

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Guardian Angel Ridolfi Paint Oil on canvas Old master 17/18th Century Italy, 1640-1720

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Guardian Angel Ferri 17/18th Century Paint Oil on canvas Old master Roman school, 1670-1750

17th Century Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Scope Of Lorenzo Lippi, Saint Rocco Confronted By The Angel, 1600s

Antique 17th Century French Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Beautiful Pair of Baroque Angels from France in Carved Oak

Antique 17th Century German Baroque Religious Items

Pair of Antique Baroque Angel Wings, Hand Carved Wood and Giltwood

17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Elias and the Angel by Adriaen van Stalbemt (Attributed), Oil on Copper, 1600s, 1600s

Antique 17th Century Spanish Romantic Paintings

Jose de Ribera School "Saint Jerome and the Angel", 17th Century

Antique Early 18th Century Czech Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Polychrome Gilded Wood, Sculpted Baroque Angels, 17th Century, Moravia

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Sculptures

17th Century Italian Angels

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Folk Art Sculptures

17th Century Italian Putti Angel Santo

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Architectural Elements

A PAIR OF 17TH CENTURY ITALIAN ANGELS

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Wall Brackets

17th C Angel Bracket

Antique 17th Century Portuguese Renaissance Architectural Elements

17th Century Portuguese Azulejos with Angels

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Mexican Religious Items

Collection of carved 17th century arc angels

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Sculptures

Pair Of 17th Century Italian Candle Bearing Angels

Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Wall-mounted Sculptures

17th-18th Century Carved Polychromed Angel Head

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Sculptures

17th Century Roof Angel Pinewood Carving

Antique 17th Century Italian Wall-mounted Sculptures

Pair of Large 17th-Century Italian Carved and Polychromed Angels

Antique 17th Century Belgian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Polychrome Wooden 17th-18th Century Angel Sculptures Flemish School

Antique 1680s Italian Baroque Wall Mirrors

Giltwood Mirror with Angel Heads, Probably Florentine 17th Century

Antique Early 18th Century Philippine Spanish Colonial Figurative Sculpt...

17th-18th Century Philippines, Carved Wooden Pilaster Ridge, Angel s Head

17th Century Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Pair of worshiping baroque angels of the XVII th century

Late 17th Century Baroque Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Nicola GrassiNicola Grassi Pen Wash Drawing Entitled “Angel”, 1662-1748

Antique Late 17th Century French Baroque Cabinets

17th Sacristy Cabinet, Blond Oakwood with Floral and Foliage Motifs, France

Antique Mid-17th Century Austrian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Baroque Wooden Angel, 17th Century

Antique Mid-17th Century Italian Statues

Small Early Baroque Angel

Antique 17th Century German Wall-mounted Sculptures

High Baroque Angel Head Candle Holders Museum Deconsession

Late 17th Century Figurative Prints

Giovanni Giuseppe Del Sole
17th Century Italian Old Master drawing of three angels, a study for larger work

Nicola Grassi
Nicola Grassi Pen Wash Drawing Entitled “Angel”, 1662-1748

Cosimo Mogalli
Untitled - St. Peter rescued from prison by an angel Acts 12., circa 1690