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. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's 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 castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make 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 will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
Gothic Revival Picture Frame in Nickel-Plated Iron with Lion Heads, circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Striking Gothic Revival picture frame crafted from nickel-plated iron, featuring pronounced lion head motifs at the corners. The design reflects the 19th-century fascination with med...
Iron, Nickel
Pair of Cloisonné Enamel and Gilt Bronze Frames, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neo-Gothic gilt bronze frames. Decorated with {cloisonné} enamel in blue, red and green; trilobed diamond shape ornaments on the frame and flowery Maltese crosses in the angl...
Bronze, Enamel
A large Gothic Revival picture frame with stylized floral carvings
Located in London, GB
A large Gothic Revival picture frame with stylized floral carvings throughout the edges displaying an original crewel work tapestry of floral deco...
Wood
Bronze Frame 19th c. Troubadour Style, Circa 1820-1830, Enamel & Glass Cabochons
Located in PARIS, FR
Bronze gilded and enameled frame with colored glass cabochons. First third of 19th century, circa 1820-1830 Troubadour style. High-quality manufacturing. Sight size: 44,5 x 31 cm. ...
Bronze
Gucci Horsebit Picture Frame, Brass, Nickel, Signed
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Horsebit picture frame, brass, nickel, signed. Stirrup form photo frame finished in brass and nickel. The display opening is 5.63 inches in height by 5.75 inches wide. The four...
Brass, Nickel
A fine Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Photo frame
Located in London, GB
A superb Napoleon III gilt bronze and satin lined photo frame, with space for three photos. Superb gilt bronze mounts, of good size. With a strut foot, or hoops, allowing it to be pl...
Bronze
19th Century Italian Carved Frame
Located in New York, NY
Finely carved and gilded 19th century Italian frame. Features continuous pierced carving decorative design. Carved out of a solid piece of fruitwood, the example is in excellent cond...
Gold Leaf
Large Mid-Century Carved Painted Wood Picture Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Carved Painted Wood Frame, 1950's Fantastic carved wood frame with liner, in a distressed finish and incredible patina. Great piece for your favorite oil painting as well as could a...
Wood, Paint, Giltwood
$751Sale Price|39% Off
H 18.31 in W 14.77 in D 0.79 in
Biedermeier Walnut Picture Frame with Lindenwood Inlay, Circa 1830
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This refined Biedermeier picture frame dates from around 1830 and showcases the timeless elegance of the era. Crafted from richly grained walnut veneer on softwood, the frame is ador...
Glass, Walnut
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Small Oval Nickel Bamboo Picture Frame
Nickel
Large French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Picture Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Picture Frame. Large ornate Neoclassical gilt bronze picture frame embellished with floral swags, ribbon-tied garlands, urn motifs, and foliate orname...
Bronze
$420
H 12.8 in W 10.63 in D 1.18 in
Tramp Art Photo Frame Rustic Style 19th Century, Austria circa 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Decorative Tramp Art photo frame from the period in Austria around 1880. Elaborately hand carved out of bass wood this rustic photo frame comes w...
Blown Glass, Softwood
$1,102
H 6.3 in W 7.09 in D 0.79 in
Pair of Antique French Gilt Bronze Rococo Style Picture Frames, ca. 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of Antique French gilt bronze Rococo style picture frames, ca. 1890 This adorable pair of delicate gilt bronze picture frames features typical Rococo-style motifs - rocailles, f...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Italian Frame in Renaissance Style Wood Marquetry.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century Italian frame in Renaissance style wood marquetry. 19th century Italian Renaissance style wood marquetry frame. Frame: H: 25.5cm, W: 20cm, D: 1cm Interior view: H: 14,...
Wood
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in W 5.625 in D 3.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century French Bronze Frame w/ Portrait Painting of Josephine
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite miniature portrait is attributed to Empress Josephine, capturing her regal presence with remarkable detail and sophistication. She is dressed in a sumptuous white gown...
Bronze
French Brass Picture Frame, Circa. 1910
Located in Houston, TX
French Brass Picture Frame, Circa. 1910. Offered is a large beautifully executed French brass Arts and Crafts picture frame with a butterfly and flowers. Great patina!
Brass
Sold
H 19.3 in W 14.97 in D 1.38 in
“Skull” Frame, Carved Wood 19th 1860-1880 Specially Created for Dürer Engraving
Located in PARIS, FR
German frame, carved wood, 19th century, 1860-1880, specially made for Dürer engraving « Coat of arms with skull » realized by Dürer in 1503 Nice shiny patina. Sight size: 32 x 21...
Wood
Sold
H 28.8 in W 24 in D 1.2 in
Large Antique Gothic Revival Hand Carved Wooden Tramp Art Mirror / Picture Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully hand crafted antique folk art frame with glass mirror. For the collectors of top quality and sizable antiques in general and Tramp Art ...
Wood, Mirror
Sold
H 36.5 in W 22 in D 1.75 in
Large Antique Gothic Revival Hand Carved Wooden Tramp Art Mirror / Picture Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully hand crafted frame with the original, antique glass mirror. For the collectors of top quality and sizable antiques in general and Tramp Art...
Glass, Wood, Velvet
Spanish Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Wall Niche Altar Frame with Candle Sconces
Located in Astoria, NY
Spanish Gothic Revival wooden wall-mounted niche frame or altar with ornamental wrought iron elements and a pair of candle sconces. The piece ca...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Carved and Gilt Neo-Gothic King Sized Headboard
Located in Long Island City, NY
An ornately carved neo-Gothic frame transformed into a headboard for a king sized bed, the centre upholstered with ivory silk shantung. There is a certain wabi sabi balance in the ju...
Wood
Sold
H 36.5 in W 22 in D 1.75 in
Large Antique Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Tramp Art Picture Frame / Mirror Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully crafted picture frame with the original glass panel. For the collectors of top quality and sizable Tramp Art home accessories we also have this stunning and one of a kind frame. This finely detailed frame is in perfect condition, it has a beautiful and warm patina and it is an absolute joy to own and look at. The masculin, Gothic Revival shape combined with the large size makes this an antique that cannot be overlooked and that will never fail to impress. If you like this Tramp Art antique...
Glass, Wood
Gold Gilt Gothic Revival Frame
Located in Rochester, NY
Gold leaf gothic revival frame. Carved wood. Rabbet size 19" x 27 1/2".
Gold Leaf