Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 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.

16th Century Maiolica

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

Ancient Italian Renaissance Maiolica Crespina, Faenza, 1580 Circa

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Decorative Art

16th Century Castelli Italian Maiolica Farnese alla turchina Dish

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Moorish Mudejar Tile, Arista y Cuenca - Sevilla 16th century

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

Small Maiolica Plate, Urbino District, 1533-1555

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Pitchers

Four Italian majolica pitchers

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

Italian Renaissance Plate, Patanazzi Workshop Urbino, End of 16th Century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Sevilla 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo Geometric Tile Arista y Cuenca - Sevilla 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo Tile Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo pair of Tiles Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century

Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Ceramics

Spanish Azulejo set of 4 tiles Arista y Cuenca - Toledo 16th century

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Inkwells

Renaissance Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Italy, Faenza, second half of the 16th

Antique 19th Century French Charles X Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

19th Century French Faience Harlequin Cachepot, Rouen double-Sided Expression

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

A Deruta Maiolica Dish Early 16th Century

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Decorative Objects

16th Century Montelupo's Dishes

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Apothecary Cabinets

Venice, Italy Maiolica Albarello, Workshop of Maestro Domenico, circa 1570-1580

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Delft and Faience

Venezia Vase-Bowl Maiolica Fully Decorated with Military Trophies, circa 1560

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

Italian Renaissance Period Maiolica Dish with the Mark of Virgiliotto Calamelli

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Delft and Faience

Venezia Maiolica Istoriato Footed Dish with a Soldier, circa 1550-1960

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Delft and Faience

Faenza Maiolica Tondino with Coat of Arms of Spada Family, circa 1535

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Pottery

Italian Renaissance Maiolica Deruta Lustre Dish

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Delft and Faience

Renaissance Maiolica Portrait Charger Made in Deruta, Italy, circa 1530

Antique 16th Century Italian Jars