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.
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. 3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Milk Glass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Bronze Bust of George Washington, Federal Style, 1840
Located in Montreal, QC
Although the first American President has been much portrayed in paint and bronze; I have not been successful in locating another bronze on which this is based. He is dressed as General Washington...
Bronze
Louis XVI Gilt and Patinated Bronze Bust of Ajax
Located in Kittery Point, ME
After the antique, his helmet decorated with centaurs and panthers. In Homer’s Illiad, he is described as a hero of colossal frame who was trained by the...
Bronze
Egyptian King and Queen Busts After J. Guillot Dated 1876
Located in New York, NY
Egyptian king and queen patinated spelter metal busts after the celebrated French sculptor, Anatole J. Guillot (1865-1911). Female signed J. Guillot 1876.
Metal
Antinous Plaster Bust
Located in Milan, IT
The elegant features of the young Antinous, a favorite of beloved Roman emperor Hadrian, are masterfully captured with exceptional richness in this plaster bust of the ancient Greek hero...
Plaster
Italian Neoclassic Style Bronze Poseidon Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian neoclassic style cast bronze Poseidon bust with black metal stand (19th century).
Bronze
Hebe's Bust Sculpture
Located in Milan, IT
This exceptional piece meticulously reproduces Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen's oeuvre realized in 1806 and preserved at the Thorvaldsen Museum ...
Other
Bronze Bust of Chopin
Located in Folkestone, GB
A good quality patinated bronze bust of Chopin rained on a square, stepped black wooden base. Well executed with good detail and rich brown patination. Measures: (Base is 7cms by 7c...
Bronze
Mercurio Bust
Located in Milan, IT
An extraordinary, renowned oeuvre of the Mannerist period, this stupendous bust depicts Mercury, or Hermes, the son of Zeus and nymph Maia who served as the messenger of gods in Gree...
Plaster
Grand Tour Roamn Style Bronze Bust of a Man
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Grand Tour Roman Style Bronze Bust of a Man Italy, 20th century A striking Grand Tour Roman-style bronze bust of a man, made in Italy during the 20th century. This beautifully cas...
Bronze
American Federal Bronze Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style (19/20th Cent) bronze figure of eagle on white four tier marble base
Bronze
Gaddi Bust Sculpture
Located in Milan, IT
This is a plaster bust reproducing the Torso Gaddi, the famous fragmentary sculpture displayed in the Uffizi Museums in Florence, which inspired many great artists of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo. The piece, handcrafted by the skilled artists of Galleria Romanelli...
Marble
Costanza Bonarelli Bust
Located in Milan, IT
Handcrafted by artists from the Florence-based Romanelli Gallery, this plaster bust depicts Costanza Bonarelli, an Italian noblewoman and merchant famous for having been a subject of Bernini...
Plaster
Traiano Bust
Located in Milan, IT
Depicting Traiano, known as one of the most influential Roman emperors, this stupendous bust will elevate the look of any decor style with utmost sophistication. Handcrafted by Roman...
Plaster
Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique molded plaster bust sculpture of President George Washington after the original model by Jean-Antoine Houdon created in 1785, cast by the widely admired P.P. Caproni of ...
Plaster