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 Etui

Antique 1760s English Georgian Jewelry Boxes

Antique South Staffordshire Enamel Etui / Sewing Box Case, circa 1770

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes

18th-Century French Gold Etui

Antique 18th Century Dutch Chinoiserie Decorative Boxes

Silver and Shagreen Cutlery Etui, Travel Cutlery, Netherlands, 18th Century

Antique 18th Century French Collectible Jewelry

Louis XV Orange/Red Ground Lacquer Etui, Mid-18th Century

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Decorative Boxes

Gold Étui in Original Case

Antique 18th Century English George II Decorative Boxes

Beautiful George II Gold Mounted Etui Made in London, circa 1745

Antique 1760s English Georgian Jewelry Boxes

Antique Bilston Enamel Etui / Sewing Box Case, circa 1780

Antique 1760s English Georgian Jewelry Boxes

Antique Bilston Enamel Etui / Sewing Box Case, circa 1770

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Boxes and Cases

Antique Georgian 1760s 18K Gold, White Enamel & Grey Agate Etui or Needle Case

Recent Sales

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Decorative Objects

Fine French Napoleonic Shagreen Necessarie Etui

Antique 1760s English Georgian Jewelry Boxes

Antique Staffordshire Enamel Cylindrical Etui / Bodkin Case, circa 1765

Antique 18th Century German Rococo Boxes and Cases

18th Century Continental Etui

Antique 1780s English Rococo Decorative Boxes

18th Century English Enamel Etui with Scent Bottles

Antique 18th Century English George II Boxes and Cases

18th Century George II Gold and Bloodstone Etui Case, circa 1760

Antique 1760s French Rococo Boxes and Cases

Antique 18th century Agate French Rococo Nécessaire Etui

Antique 1750s English Georgian Collectible Jewelry

18th Century Georgian 18-Karat Gold Chatelaine Etui Christopher Nicholle

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Decorative Boxes

Louis XV Multicolored Gold Étui

Antique 1760s British Georgian Collectible Jewelry

18th Century Georgian 18-Karat Gold-Mounted Bloodstone Etui, London, circa 1760

Antique 1750s English Georgian More Desk Accessories

Antique 18th Century Georgian 18-Karat Gold Agate Etui, London, circa 1760

Antique Late 18th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

A George III Tortoiseshell Standing Etui

Antique 18th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

A very fine George III Scent Etui

Antique Mid-18th Century French Decorative Boxes

French Leather and Sterling Perfume Set and Etui

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Decorative Boxes

Antique Georgian English Chinoiserie Etui Nécessaire Card Case

Antique Late 18th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

George III Tortoiseshell Pique Scent Etui, Likely Made in London

Antique Late 18th Century English Jewelry Boxes

Extraordinary "Sevres-style" Antique English Gilt Enamel Etui or Necessaire

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Sterling Silver

A rare silver mounted shagreen Scent Etui made circa 1780

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English More Furniture and Collectibles

A very fine George III Scent Etui made in Birmingham in 1791

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English More Furniture and Collectibles

An exceptionally fine George III Tortoiseshell Pique Scent Etui made circa 1780

Antique 18th Century French More Desk Accessories

Antique French 18-Karat Gold Mounted Large Travelling Etui Set, circa 1760

People Also Browsed

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

Antique 19th Century Swiss Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Swiss Gold and Enamel Musical Vinaigrette

Antique 19th Century Russian Tableware

Fabergé Silver Flatware Service

Antique 18th Century English Rococo Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

18th Century South Staffordshire Snuff Box Top / Lid

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Tableware

Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces

Antique 1840s English Dinner Plates

Large English Porcelain Dinner Service, Minton, circa 1845

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Sideboards

George III Mahogany And Satinwood Sideboard

20th Century American Art Nouveau Glass

Louis Comfort Tiffany Pastel Favrile Glass Dinnerware

Antique 19th Century French Other Decorative Boxes

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

Antique 19th Century Russian Sterling Silver