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Spanish Colonial Furniture

SPANISH COLONIAL STYLE

After the conquest of Mexico in 1521 and the Philippines in 1565, Spain dictated a global culture. The colonization of territories in the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Pacific imposed the values of Spain, including Catholicism, while the extraction of resources reinforced the empire’s wealth and power. Unlike many styles that came out of European colonialism, such as British Colonial, Spanish Colonial furniture and architecture frequently mixed local heritage with the artistic traditions of Spain.

Spanish Colonial furniture was informed by the shifting styles of Europe as well as Indigenous culture. There were Inca tapestries depicting Spanish coats of arms and Baroque chairs adorned with tropical flora. The butaca, a low easy chair popular in the Caribbean, was inspired by Rococo’s curving forms and the shape of precolonial seating. In New Mexico, Pueblo artisans carved chests with patterns reminiscent of Anasazi art.

Even within the homes of the wealthy, furniture was usually restricted to necessities like benches, desks, cupboards and chests. These were often ornately designed and especially important for storing prized goods like textiles. Spanish Colonial houses were built with adobe and clay and tended to be minimally decorated, so the style’s heavily carved wooden furniture pieces stood out against a home’s white stucco walls.

The Spanish Colonial period mostly came to an end after the territories achieved independence from Spain. However, its aesthetics continued to influence Southwestern style and Spanish Colonial Revival style after Spanish Colonial style was used extensively at San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

Find a collection of antique Spanish Colonial chairs, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Spanish Colonial
Set of 8 Spanish Woven Wicker Olive Grape Harvest Basket
Located in Miami, FL
Rustic Spanish chateau champagne grape harvesting basket constructed from woven wicker reeds. Features a thick braided top with handles ...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wicker

18th C. Spanish Beautifully Rustic Carved-Wood Trestle-Leg Table with Drawers
By Charlie Baker
Located in Ventura, CA
This 18th-century Spanish console table that has three exquisite hand carved drawers with geometric detail. The table stands on robust trestle-style legs, connected by elegantly car...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

3 Large Spanish Colonial Style Hand Forged Iron Sconces, Traditional Torchiere
Located in Miami, FL
Immerse your home in the warmth of the Spanish Colonial era with this captivating trio of hand-forged wrought iron sconces. Exuding a sense of history and craftsmanship, these monum...
Category

20th Century French Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Late 19th Century Distressed Antique Persian Lilihan Carpet Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72824 Distressed Antique Persian Lilihan Rug, 09'10 X 12'07. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Lilihan rug exudes the romantic patina of time, blending refined artistry with the...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

18th Century Spanish Colonial Bench
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Magnificent 18th Century Spanish Colonial Bench, Circa 1780 A rare and imposing example of late 18th-century Spanish Colonial craftsmanship, this monumental bench stands as a testam...
Category

1780s Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Zabihi Collection Persian Kurd Gallery SIze Rug
Located in New York, NY
1920s Persian Kurd Gallery Size Rug with a tree of life motif on a gray field Details rug no. j2217 size 4' 10" x 10' 5" (147 x 318 cm)
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Spanish Hand Thrown and Glazed Mustard Brown Stoneware Pottery Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Large one-of-a-kind gorgeous hand thrown and hand glazed cream brown colored stoneware pottery bowl vessel. Thick and glazing like. This would make an excellent indoor or outdoor water feature...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Clay

Antique 18th Century Spanish Leather Trunk with Decorative Nailhead Detailing
Located in Madrid, ES
An excellent example of the classic dome top Spanish "arcón" or travel chest / trunk. Constructed of wood, the exterior is completely covered in a dark brown leather and the top and front feature studded brass nails arranged in decorative patterns. The nailheads themselves are decorated with raised star shape. The functioning lock mechanism (key included), hasp and side carry handles are original and made of wrought iron. Included are a pair of matching studded leather "feet" or supports which raise the trunk off of the floor allowing air to circulate, thus protecting the bottom from moisture. A solid and useable trunk...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Spanish Colonial Revival Beds - Circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This stunning pair of Spanish Colonial Revival beds, crafted in the 1930s, captures the essence of timeless craftsmanship and historical charm. These heavy, solid pieces are construc...
Category

1930s Bolivian Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Large Carved Spanish Solid Walnut Coat Rack Stand or Entry
Located in Miami, FL
Large carved Spanish solid walnut coat rack stand has all of the original hardware which is heavy cast iron and has been polished and lacquered for easy maintenance. The top half is profusely carved with intricate urns, arabesques, and baskets of grapes and pomegranates, with bronze details. The top has a deep cornice carved...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Spanish Glazed Terracotta Jug, Pot or Pitcher with Handle
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Spanish glazed terracotta jug, pot or pitcher with handle.
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Spanish Colonial Antique Santo Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning antique parcel-giltwood statue of St. John, 19th century, possibly earlier, from Mexico, Spanish Colonial with polychrome paint decoration. St John was depicted as a regal...
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

19th Spanish Zinc Top Coffe or Center Table with Turned Legs and Lower Tray
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish zinc top coffee or center table with turned legs and lower tray.
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Zinc

Spanish Armchairs in Carved Walnut and Red Velvet Upholstery 46units
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Spanish low armchairs in carved walnut and red velvet upholstery decorated with yellow fringes. Very very comfortable and resistant’s It come from an Spanish Casino 4...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Spanish Revival Bar Table Wrought Iron Base
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted custom bar height table with wrought iron forged base. Spanish Revival bar table with simple four curved legs. Dimensions: Iron for...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Colonial Style Wrought Iron Exterior Lantern with bell-curved lid
Located in Santa Paula, CA
This classic lantern features a tapered profile, bell-curved lid, and an elemental aesthetic. Open glass panels and rivet detailing lend a modern twist...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Gothic Revival Wall Sconce
Located in Sarasota, FL
A 19th century Gothic Revival wall sconce, made of bronze and iron, with mica inserts. Provenance Palm Beach Mizner Estate.
Category

19th Century American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Pair of Spanish Colonial Pendants / Light Fixtures in Carved Wood Amber Glass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of handcarved pine wood ring ceiling light fixtures with amber glass globe lampshades. Spain, 1940-1950. This pair of ceiling light pendant lamps have an eye-catching construction. The ring backplates in carved wood hold an amber glass globe shaped lampshade at the central part. They are suspended from three chains with a wooden canopy on the top. The wood structures are richly adorned by carved and scalloped details thorough. These ceiling pendants will add an spanish colonial accent to any room or entry hall in any rustic, classical or countryside house decoration. Minor wear commensurate with age and use. Very good vintage condition and nice original patina. Newly wired. Rare find. On sale as a pair. Overall Measures: 37 cm diameter x 66 cm H / each The fixture excluding the chain is: 37 cm diameter x 33 cm H We are specialists in lighting: A curated selection of sunburst light fixtures and other lighting items is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. Spanish Colonial Light Fixture...
Category

20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Pine

Partagás Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Dish Collectible 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Partagás Porcelain Cigar Ashtray Dish Collectible 1960s. Small white and gold advertising ashtray dish with the gold logo of Partagas cigars, the double crown, gold pieces of money a...
Category

Late 20th Century American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century Rustic Spanish Walnut Library Table ~ Center Table
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Rustic Spanish Walnut Library Table ~ Center Table was meticulously hand-crafted by talented artisans using tools that would seem primitive by today's standards, yet too...
Category

Mid-18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Steel

Rare French 1920 s bronze chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and rare Spanish style all hands made, made of solid bronze. the patina is so much nicer in person
Category

1920s European Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Early 18th Century Spanish Colonial Oil on Canvas – The Descent from the Cross
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Early 18th Century Spanish Colonial Oil on Canvas – The Descent from the Cross This large and moving Spanish Colonial oil on canvas, dating to the early 18th century, depicts the p...
Category

Early 18th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Hand-Cast Spanish Brass Long Pendant with Antique White Milk Glass Ball
Located in Houston, TX
Hand-cast brass pendant light from Spain. Beautiful craftsmanship with an added antique milk glass globe from France. The un-lacquered brass "stem...
Category

20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Spanish Wrought Iron Coffee Table with Red Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century Spanish coffee table pays homage to old-world craftsmanship. Its hand-forged wrought iron base features ornate detailing and a timeworn patina, enhancing its curvac...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, 16th Century, Oil on Canvas
Located in North Miami, FL
16th Century Spanish Colonial Oil on canvas painting of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. In this representation of the Virgin Mary being f...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Late 19th Century Carved Spanish Colonial Christ Nino Santo with Glass Eyes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century carved baby Jesus Santos with glass eyes and custom display stand. Handmade with carved wood and gesso. Glass inset eyes. Left and r...
Category

19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Wood

URIARTE TALAVERA - Hand Painted Pottery Charger - Mexico - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
URIARTE TALAVERA - Vintage Talavera folk art glazed ceramic charger - large size - hand made - featuring hand painted flowers and swans within a double line border - signed on the cr...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Santos with Glass Eyes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century hand-carved Santos with inset glass eyes and original gesso paint surface. On custom museum display stand. Base measures 6" x 6".
Category

Late 19th Century Central American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Hand-Crafted Torchiere Wrought Iron Interior Wall Sconce Spanish Colonial
Located in Santa Paula, CA
A traditional Torchiere arm mount light fixture, in hand-hammered wrought iron and finished in a rich Old World finish. Two rectangular backplates and semi-scrolled arms support this long, tapered...
Category

2010s American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

San Isidoro Isidro Labrador 19th Century Spanish Colonial Cusco School
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Presenting a rare and captivating Peruvian Cusco School painting from the mid 19th century, depicting the beloved figure of San Isidoro, the patron saint of farmers and laborers. Thi...
Category

19th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

19th Century Rustic Spanish Sideboard Storage Cabinet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, sideboard storage cabinet you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful cabinet is...
Category

19th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Giant Colonial Church Bench
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1800. We offer this Giant Colonial Church Bench. Made in mezquite and pine wood. Very antique and amazing piece.
Category

Mid-19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Spanish Nightstands with One Drawer and Low Shelve and Lentil Legs
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish nightstands or side tables with one drawer and low shelve. You can use like a coffee table, side table... it´s very nice for any space.
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mary Queen of Heaven - Early 17th Century Spanish Colonial oil on canvas
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This exquisite early 18th-century Spanish Colonial oil painting, originating from Bolivia, portrays “Mary, Queen of Heaven.” With meticulous craftsmanship, it illustrates the Coronat...
Category

Early 18th Century Bolivian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Set of 2 Safari Lounge Chairs w/ Ottomans by Angel Pazmino, Ecuador, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare set of sling chairs, with accompanying set of footstools, by the incomparable Angel Pazmino. Recently and painstakingly restored by our team of craftsmen this icon...
Category

1960s Ecuadorean Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

18th Century Spanish Walnut Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A superb 18th-century rustic walnut table from Catalonia. The generous weathered three-plank top is supported by an X-frame support to one side of...
Category

Mid-18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Spanish Walnut Table
18th Century Spanish Walnut Table
$2,577 Sale Price
25% Off
Talavera Handcrafted Spanish Wall Tiles Set of 8
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Spanish Talavera ceramic hand painted tiles, handcrafted and kiln fired set of eight tiles. Hand made Spanish Talavera wall tiles. Size each: 6" x6" Materials: Talavera, ceramic, clay hand-painted, clay, Spanish Mexican...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Clay Period Spanish Colonial Jar with Custom Metal Stand from the 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A clay Spanish colonial period jar from the 18th century. This jar is raised on a tripod custom-made metal stand. The finish is of a natural pale color.
Category

18th Century Guatemalan Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Saint Joseph - 18th Century Spanish Colonial oil on canvas
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This exquisite 18th-century Peruvian oil on canvas is a masterful example of Spanish Colonial art, embodying the profound devotion and artistic sophistication of the period. The pain...
Category

Mid-18th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Pair of Solid Oak Spanish Colonial Etageres Shelves w/ Storage Cabinets Finial
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Solid Oak Spanish Colonial Etageres Shelves w/ Storage Cabinets & Finial
Category

20th Century American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

South American Cowhide Leather Trunk
Located in Queens, NY
South American Colonial (Peruvian 19th Cent) cowhide and leather floor trunk (Bataca) with a geometric strap design.
Category

19th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather

Half Round Horse Shoe Shape Drop Leaf Ends Serving Writing Library Gallery Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Half Round Horse Shoe Shape Drop Leaf Ends Serving Writing Library Gallery Table. Hand Forged Iron Base.
Category

20th Century American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

19th Century Giltwood Carved Wood Spanish Bookcase Credenza Sideboard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, hand carved versatile bookcase credenza, sideboard storage cabinet you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Pottery Charger - Hand Painted Bird Flowers - Mexico - Circa 1980
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art terracotta charger - large size - hand made and cold painted with a bird and flowers within an elaborate border - varnished finish to the front and back - unsigned -...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta

Antique Spanish Style Ornamental Black Pendant Light Fixture Refurbished by Hand
Located in Santa Paula, CA
Our Rosa lantern is a Spanish Style, Antique, Ornamental Pendant Light Fixture we have refurbished by hand with premium, high quality, black finish paint and premium antique glass, that gives it a more old world feel and vintage aesthetic. This interior/exterior light fixture...
Category

2010s American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large 18th century Spanish Colonial Religious Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large oil painting of the holy family on hand woven canvas. Peruvian or Bolivian. Acquired from an estate in the San Francisco Bay Area f...
Category

18th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Spanish Colonial Rustic Corner Wall Shelf in Carved Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Colonial Wood Two Tier Corner Wall Shelf, 1940s Hand-carved pine spice rack or small corner wall shelf. This shelf has scalloped and carved details, a larger shelf at the bot...
Category

20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

18th c Spanish Colonial Guatemalan Carved Wooden Santos, San Miguel
Located in Milford, NH
A nicely carved Spanish Colonial carved wooden santos of San Miguel, Guatemalan in origin, dating to the 18th century. This wooden sculpture is mo...
Category

18th Century Guatemalan Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Spanish Colonial Revival Style Oak Cupboard Hutch Cabinet or Dry Bar Hand Carved
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage Spanish Colonial Revival style oak cupboard, hutch, cabinet, or dry bar comprised of hand carved oak, wood pegs & shelves, & brass. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. This piece has lots of wonderful patina. We have added new magnetic latches to doors as they we just not staying shut on their own. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 19th Century through 20th Century. We really have a hard time determining age of this piece. It is fabulous no matter and is priced for its beauty and not its age. Enigma definition: A person, object, or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. This cupboard is just that… definitely puzzling and mysterious!! And I sure wish it could talk because I bet it has some GREAT stories to share!! Something tells me it’s seen a few things and has had quite an interesting history. It is a one-piece cabinet comprised of oak with a top and bottom section and an open center section. The doors have carvings with (what we believe are) dates back to the 1600’s. The door fronts remind me of vintage livery cupboards… they are nostalgic and quite mystifying!! We don’t believe the whole cupboard is quite the same age, hence, more mystery! We believe the body or frame of the cupboard is Early 1900’s, possibly earlier, and was made from reclaimed lumber or someone possibly took pieces of an old cabinet and repurposed it. The top section is constructed with mortise & tenon joints (no nails!), the inner top & base cabinets each enclose a single adjustable wood shelf with aged wood peg brackets, and stepped siderails or shelf supports. Both the top and lower door fronts bear enigmatic brass armoire hinges...
Category

20th Century Unknown Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Mediterranean Detailed Wrought Iron Pendant Exterior Lantern Light
Located in Santa Paula, CA
This lantern has Mediterranean style precedence with historic profiles and contemporized geometric lines. A striking fixture during the day but even more so at night when the pattern...
Category

2010s American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

San Camilo
Located in Mexico, DF
This 19th century oil on tin folk retablo represents 'San Camilo de Lelis', often referred to as the 'Red Cross Saint' -- a reference to the Red Cross worn on his black habit. San C...
Category

Early 19th Century North American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Other

Spanish Gilt 4-Tier Palm Fernery
Located in Queens, NY
Spanish (mid-20th Cent) gilt metal 4 tier palm design planter stand/fernery (att: Ferrocolor)
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Dos Gallos Custom Walnut Wood Bun Foot Cabinet With Doors and Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom cabinet with a cascading bottom ending in bun feet. Doors with raised diamond panels. Can be made in custom sizes, in walnut, oak or mahogany and in a range of colors and fini...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Spanish Colonial Silvered Metal Vase
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique Spanish Colonial vase with an unusual combination of materials. The vase is silvered metal with floral engravings and graceful handles depicting birds on snakes. The center i...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

Beautiful Antique Bird Design Spanish Area Rug 11 x 12 10"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Antique Bird Design Spanish Area Rug, Country of origin: Spain, Circa date: 1920
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Spanish Gilt Iron Bench in Purple Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This Spanish 1950s gilt iron bench embodies a vintage charm that is timeless as well as modern. Its hourglass frame, central stretcher, and gently curved feet each contribute to its ...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

European Barley Twist Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Large European barley twist chairs with hand-carved details and dark red vinyl upholstery. Statement pieces that are sturdy and comfortable to sit in.
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

NAVAL CANNON 18th Century Miniature Desk Accessory In Wood And Iron
Located in Miami, FL
A miniature naval cannon from the 18th century. This is a beautiful and very handsome model of a 18th century naval cannon. The cannon represents a...
Category

18th Century American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Pair of Spanish Stools in Wood and Leatherette, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful pair of wooden Spanish colonial stools with trimming details. Spain, 1950s. These stools are supported on trestle bases with lyre legs. The tops wear the original upholste...
Category

20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Capriccio View of Rio de Janeiro, Oil on Sailcloth, Circa 1810
Located in Seaford, GB
Rare Early 19th century Capriccio view of Rio de Janeiro Painting Probably painted circa 1810 by one of Jean-Baptiste Debret, Italian Students. Painted on Sailcloth. Historical Context of Early 19th Century Portuguese Colonial Brazil 1.1 Transition from Colony to Empire During the early 19th century, Brazil underwent a seismic shift in its political status. Originally a colony under the Portuguese Empire, the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Court in Rio de Janeiro in 1808 rapidly elevated the city’s cultural and political importance. By 1815, Brazil was declared a kingdom united with Portugal, setting the stage for the emergence of the Empire of Brazil in 1822. This period of transformation—often termed the transitional period from colony to empire—fueled a wave of artistic production in cities like Rio de Janeiro. 1.2 European Artistic Influence in Brazil With the French Artistic Mission in Rio (initiated in 1816) and the presence of various Portuguese and European artists, Brazilian art of the early 1800s began to reflect diverse influences, from neoclassical painting to the early rumblings of romanticism. Painters such as Jean-Baptiste Debret, and Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, and local luminaries like Manuel de Araújo Porto-Alegre contributed to the fine arts tradition in Brazil. Their works featured scenes of local life, portraits of Brazilian society, and imaginative vistas—sometimes referred to as “capriccios,” in which real elements were combined with artistic liberties to create an idealized panorama. 1.3 Rio de Janeiro as Cultural and Political Hub Rio de Janeiro, often called the Imperial capital after Brazil’s independence, was home to foundational institutions like the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts (Academia Imperial de Belas Artes). Later evolving into the Escola de Belas Artes (School of Fine Arts in Rio), these academies nurtured the talents of emerging painters, who found patronage under the Royal Court and, subsequently, the Imperial Court. The city’s significance was further enhanced by the construction of significant buildings, the modernization of infrastructure, and the mingling of European courtly customs with the traditions of local inhabitants. . Description of the Octagonal Oil on Canvas: A Capriccio View of Rio de Janeiro 2.1 Composition and Layout The most striking characteristic of this 19th-century Brazilian art piece is its octagonal shape, a relatively unusual format that draws the viewer’s gaze toward its centre. The composition showcases Rio de Janeiro’s shoreline in the early 1800s, brimming with merchant ships and smaller boats anchored near the shore. On the sand, there is a bustling crowd of local people—men and women carrying food and goods on their heads, loading and unloading boats, and engaging in everyday commerce. The backdrop of soaring mountains suggests Rio’s iconic topography, embodying the landscape that famously defines the city. 2.2 Architectural and Religious Landmarks On the left side, one can discern the silhouette of a church believed to be Santa Lucia, a significant religious structure in the heart of early 19th-century Rio. This element provides viewers with a tangible reference point, linking the scene to an actual location. However, because this painting is labelled as a “capriccio,” the artist might have taken creative liberties by rearranging or amplifying certain features of the city. The melding of real and idealized elements is characteristic of these imaginative vistas. 2.3 Evoking Daily Life in Colonial Rio One of the painting’s greatest appeals lies in its portrayal of daily life during the colonial era. Men and women from various backgrounds populate the scene. Some appear to be carrying goods on their heads, a common practice in Brazil that has persisted through different centuries. Others appear to be haggling or trading near small vessels, revealing the commercial pulse of an active port city. This focus on local people, combined with the grandeur of merchant ships, captures the tension and synergy between the every day and the extraordinary—a hallmark of Brazilian colonial painting that balances the grand narratives of empire with the rhythms of ordinary life. 2.4 An Amalgamation of Neoclassical and Romantic Influences Although academic art in early 19th century Brazil was highly influenced by neoclassicism, the onset of romanticism can be spotted in the emotional portrayal of the sky, the lively palette, and the dramatic emphasis on nature’s beauty (the mountains, in particular). This duality reflects the fine arts tradition in Brazil during the transitional phase when artists were embracing multiple styles. As part of the School of Rio or the Rio de Janeiro school, painters often integrated academic techniques learned from European masters with emerging local subjects and influences. 3. Institutions and Artistic Movements 3.1 Imperial Academy of Fine Arts Originally known as the Royal School of Sciences, Arts, and Crafts, the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro was instrumental in shaping 19th-century Brazilian art. Influential artists and teachers from Portugal, France, and other European nations congregated at the Academy, imparting their expertise to native students. As the monarchy consolidated power, the Academy enjoyed royal patronage, leading to the creation of Imperial Academy-style works that combined European academic rigour with Brazilian-themed subject matter. 3.2 Impact of the French Artistic Mission The French Artistic Mission, which arrived in 1816, played a pivotal role in introducing advanced European artistic techniques, thereby elevating the overall quality of painting in Brazil. Artists like Jean-Baptiste Debret not only documented Brazilian society but also spearheaded the development of a local visual identity that aligned with both academicism and the national context of a blossoming empire. Debret, alongside others such as Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, mentored Brazilian artists, sowing the seeds of what would become the Brazilian academic art movement. 3.3 Religious, Historical, and Landscape Paintings In addition to everyday scenes and historical compositions, religious iconography remained crucial throughout Portuguese colonial and imperial Brazil. Churches were omnipresent in cityscapes like Rio de Janeiro. Many colonial-era Brazilian portraits...
Category

Early 19th Century Brazilian Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Spanish Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Spanish Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, more furniture and collectibles, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Spanish Colonial furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Spain, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Dos Gallos Studio, Thomasville, Cesar, and Santa Barbara Lighting Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $13 and tops out at $380,000 while the average work can sell for $2,862.

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