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.
Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets
Located in Milford, NH
A finely carved and gilt pair of eagle wall brackets with shaped base and spherule decoration. The pair of eagles are facing each other and date to the 19th century with brackets add...
Wood
Outstanding Large Oak Carved Eagle Grasping Shield & Three Arrows
Located in Stamford, CT
Outstanding large oak carved eagle grasping shield with three arrows in his talons; most probably by a Philadelphia carver. Found in East Boothbay, Maine at collector's home. Arrows ...
Oak
$1,086 / set
H 13.78 in W 8.67 in D 3.94 in
Pair of Carved Wood Baroque Style Wall Decors with Deer and Ibex Figures
Located in Barntrup, DE
A pair of beautiful Baroque style polychrome carved wood wall decors depicting deer and ibex figures. Painted in brown, green, red, and golden c...
Wood, Paint
Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.
Wood
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles 'Pair'
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Terracotta
$600Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in W 4 in D 2.5 in
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
$1,713
H 13.8 in W 6.3 in D 3.4 in
Carved Miniature Statue of Mother Mary & Child Jesus on Gilt Wooden Wall Bracket
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand-painted and hand-carved wooden sculpture of the Holy Mother Mary, presented on a small gilt Rococo-style wall bracket. This Mother Mary and Child sculpture is gorgeous for its ...
Nutwood, Giltwood
American Gilt Carved Wood and Gesso Perched Eagle, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and gesso Eagle with extended wings perched on decorative acanthus floral motif, Early 19th century.
Gold Leaf
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood. Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an Eagle. Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5". circa 1970. Ironwood hand carved eagle or falcon...
Wood
Hand Carved Eagle By
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved eagle in fine condition and rare to find by Thomas Rhodes carver from Arizona.The shape & form is the best.
Wood
French Louis XV Gilt Carved Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV style (18/19th Century) large gilt wall plaque with cupid heads and sunburst center.
Giltwood
$10,000 / set
H 13.25 in W 9 in D 8.5 in
Pair of French Gilt Carved Wood & Gesso Foliage Gadrooned Wall Brackets, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of French gilt wood and gesso decorative carved foliage and gadrooned hanging wall brackets, Early 19th century.
Gesso, Wood, Giltwood
$3,544
H 14.1 in W 16.5 in D 9.5 in
Antique Victorian era Hand Carved Black Forest Bull Sculpture Wall Bracket
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning large carved wooden bull wall shelf. Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th century Black Forest wall bull bracket of this size and with such amazing natural details and warm patina. This marvelously handcrafted and good condition, bull sculpture wall shelf...
Wood
Pair of George III Giltwood Wall Brackets
Located in Essex, MA
Each with rocaille galleried shelf over a pair of phoenix birds over trailing icicles and C-scrolls.
Pine, Giltwood