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

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 8

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 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 Virginia

Antique Late 18th Century American Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

18th Century Virginia Tidewater Walnut and Yellow Pine Drop Leaf Table

Mid-20th Century American Side Chairs

Pair of painted Academic Revival slip seat side chairs, 1940

Antique 18th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century American Walnut Chest, Possibly Virginia

Antique 18th Century British George II Secretaires

18th Century Antique English George II Virginia Walnut Bureau

Antique Early 18th Century English Georgian Side Tables

Fine and Rare 18th Century George I Virginia Walnut Side Table, circa 1725

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Virginian Walnut Tallboy/Chest on Chest circa 1750

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

19th Century Bronze Mantel Clock Paul and Virginia by Charles Cumberworth

Antique Early 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of Two Idols of the Virginian Culture by B. Picart, 1721

Antique Early 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Gathering Around a Fire in Virginia by B. Picart, 1721

Antique 1780s American American Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

American Cherry Chest of Drawers with Flanking Fluted Quarter Columns, VA C 1780

Antique 1790s American American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

American Hepplewhite Mahogany and Satinwood Pembroke Table, VA, Circa 1790

Antique 1770s American American Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mid-18th Century Colonial Virginia Walnut Chest of Drawers

Antique 18th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables

Virginia Demilune Walnut Tea Table

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Cupboards

18th Century Walnut Estate Cupboard

Antique Late 19th Century American Chippendale Linen Presses

Late 18th Century Potomac River Valley Virginia Mahogany Chippendale Linen Press

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Cabinets

Chippendale Cherry Cabinet-On-Chest, Virginia

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Dutch Rococo Maps

Rare 17th Century American Map of Virginia and Florida by Jan Janssonius

Antique 18th Century American Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Fine Shenandoah Valley Virginia Chest of Drawers, c. 1800

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Commodes and Chests of Drawers

George 2nd Virginian Walnut Chest of Drawers with Brushing Slide

Antique Late 18th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Dr...

American Chippendale Walnut Chest on Chest, Probably Virginia, 1765-1800

Antique 1740s American Queen Anne Wingback Chairs

American Queen Anne Walnut Upholstered Wing Back Chair, Virginia, Circa 1740

Antique 1790s American Hepplewhite Bookcases

American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid China Press with Original Brasses VA, 1790

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Wingback Chairs

Late 18th Century Virginia Federal Black Walnut Upholstered Wingback Chair

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Books

Jeffersons Notes on the State of Virginia 2nd Edition, Important Book

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

18th Century English Walnut Chest-on-Chest

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Armchairs

Tidewater Virginia Knuckle-Arm Lolling Chair

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Paintings

Three Sisters of the Northern Neck of Virginia

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Secretaires

Southern Secretary-Bookcase

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Federal Corner Cupboards

Piedmont Virginia Walnut Corner Cupboard

18th Century Virginia For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a 18th Century Virginia?