Gothic Decorative Art
The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Pine
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Pine
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Pine
Early 1900s English Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
1860s English Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Paper
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood
1920s Vintage Gothic Decorative Art
Copper
19th Century Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Bronze
16th Century French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Oak
19th Century French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood
20th Century Italian Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century German Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Pewter
1910s Austrian Vintage Gothic Decorative Art
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Gothic Decorative Art
Ceramic, Earthenware
20th Century Czech Gothic Decorative Art
Leather, Canvas, Wood, Paint
20th Century Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Paint
1930s Vintage Gothic Decorative Art
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Late 18th Century Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Other
1830s Japanese Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Paper
2010s French Gothic Decorative Art
Paper
19th Century Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood
Mid-18th Century German Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Leather, Paper
16th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Gold
1920s Belgian Vintage Gothic Decorative Art
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Indian Gothic Decorative Art
Paint
19th Century French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Pine
17th Century European Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
16th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Wood
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Metal, Iron
16th Century French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Oak
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Decorative Art
Parchment Paper