Federal Picture Frames
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Picture Frames
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Picture Frames
Brass
20th Century Federal Picture Frames
Silver
19th Century French Antique Federal Picture Frames
Gesso
1880s French Antique Federal Picture Frames
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Picture Frames
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Federal Picture Frames
Gold
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Picture Frames
Gesso, Wood
Mid-19th Century German Antique Federal Picture Frames
Oak
Early 20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mahogany, Paint, Mirror
1890s French Antique Federal Picture Frames
Copper
1960s American Vintage Federal Picture Frames
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Wood
20th Century Italian Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Gold Leaf
20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Maple, Mirror
20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Wood, Mahogany, Giltwood, Mirror
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Wood, Mahogany, Giltwood, Mirror
Early 20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Giltwood, Wood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Picture Frames
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Mahogany, Satinwood, Giltwood
20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Giltwood
20th Century American Federal Picture Frames
Mirror, Giltwood