In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
California Coastal Landscape by Rod Goebel (American 1946-1993)
By Rod Goebel
Located in Dallas, TX
SPRING LIGHT, American West / California rocky Pacific coast oil on canvas landscape picture by American painter / artist Rod Goebel (1946-1993) impressionist style, signed front low...
Canvas
Sicilian Cart Axle Made Of Wood And Wrought Iron From The Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A Sicilian cart axle in wood and wrought iron, carved representing three dragons. A magnificent example of 19th-century Sicilian folk art. This decorative panel was placed on the car...
Wood
1910s Flanders Statue Of Saint Pauls In Oak Wood Ecclesiastical Art Tall Big
Located in London, GB
This is a highly hand-carved oak statue of Saint Paul, originating from a church in the Flanders region near Waterloo, Belgium, and dating to the early 1900s. The figure is rendered ...
Oak
American 19th Century Handcrafted “CHERUBS" Aesthetic Walnut Serving Cabinet
Located in South Burlington, VT
Aesthetic walnut serving cabinet, “Cherubs”, with 20 finely incised inlaid panels This is an original and beautiful handcrafted and hand incised wa...
Brass
Original London Bridge Etching by Henry G. Walker
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Original London Bridge Etching by Henry G. Walker This is an original early 20th century signed Drypoint etching by Henry G. Walker, Signed Proof Full of hand tinted detail from t...
Paper
Vintage Christmas Big Nutcracker, Wood, Erzgebirge, Germany, 1970
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been their ho...
Wood
19th Century Grain Painted Paneled Wood Door
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous grain painted solid wood paneled door. Painted in the Trompe loi style to imitate rosewood or another exotic wood. Door is grain painted on one side only. Other side is ol...
Hardwood
Hand-Painted Wood Santo of Saint Antonio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic hand-painted wood Santo of Saint Antonio. Hand-carved and hand-painted. His right hand extends and is removable. He is the saint you ask to help you meet a woman. Great col...
Wood
Early 20th Century Carved and Painted Wood Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Carved and painted wooden soldier whirligig. Early 20th century American. Soldier has a leather hat with wooden brim. Presented on simple custom museum...
Wood
$580
H 14.5 in W 6.25 in D 8.25 in
Antique Viechtauer Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head, Austria 1900 - 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique hand-carved wooden wall decoration in Viechtau folk art style from Austria, early 20th century A stunning hand-carved wooden wall decoration in the folk art style, circa 190...
Wood
Sold|$220
H 6 in W 3.13 in D 0.63 in
Antique Wooden Springerle Mold Hand-Carved, German Folk Art, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming early 20th-century wooden mold, dating to the 1910s or earlier. It is hand-carved from solid wood, reflecting the craftsmanship and utilitarian beauty of traditional kitch...
Wood
Original Oil Painting by Violet Parkhurst
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an original oil painting on canvas by renowned American artist, violet Parkhurst. This painting is hand signed in the lower right quadrant. The artwork has been executed on canvas. This painting was appraised by violet Parkhurst galleries. Provenance: this fine artwork came from an estate in Maryland, United States. A certificate of authenticity hand signed by Parkhurst galleries, will be included with this sale. Many original paintings by violet Parkhurst were used as images for famous illustrations, lithographic prints and decorative artwork. This fine painting will add character and class to any home. Moreover, the strength of this artist’s recent sales...
Canvas
$1,565
H 56 in W 32 in D 15.5 in
19th Century American Rustic Southern Pie Safe with Distressed Blue Paint
Located in Savannah, GA
A truly American Southern piece, this rustic wooden pie safe features pierced tin inserts in the double doors and on the sides. Other features include two ...
Tin
American Folk Art Portrait of a Lady
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
American Folk Art Portrait of a Lady, dating from the early 19th century. The portrait is very naively painted, oil on board. Overall very good antique condition, but a little clea...
Pine
$1,045
H 6.7 in W 3.94 in D 11.03 in
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Hand Carved in Switzerland, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Wood
Gorgeous Oil Painting on Canvas Arcadian Landscape by A. Velotti
Located in Manzano, IT
Refined oil painting on canvas by Maestro Antonio Velotti, an Italian painter famous for his classical views and 18th-century atmospheres. The work depicts a striking landscape "Ca...
Canvas, Wood
Oil On Canvas Painting Floral Still Life, London, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Oil On Canvas Painting Floral Still Life, London, 19th Century Floral Still Life, signed Geo Rowney & Co, London, late 19th Century A superb floral still life depicting a bouquet of...
Paint
"A Long Days Ride" 2010 by Luke Frazier (American, 1970- )
Located in Dallas, TX
A Long Days Ride, 2010 by Luke Frazier (American, 1970) signed front lower right. camp set up in the snow with two horses outside a tent, a simple meal cooks on the campfire. oil on ...
Canvas
Sold
H 37.5 in W 25.25 in D 1.25 in
Early 20thC Oil on Panel Flemish Style Painting of a Large Bouquet of Flowers
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful painting framed of a bouquet of flowers in an urn, circa 1920.
Hardwood, Paint
Sold
H 7.49 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
John Seddon Bailey & Co Fulham Pottery Salt Glazed Stoneware Spirit Flagon
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare English Aesthetic Period salt glazed stoneware spirit flagon designed by John Seddon for Bailey & Co, Fulham and dated 29th December 1880. The flagon is of square shape with a...
Stoneware
Sold
H 10.63 in Dm 5.12 in
C J C Bailey Fulham Salt Glazed Mackenzie Clan Pottery Vase by Edward Bennet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare aesthetic movement large C J C Bailey Fulham salt glazed vase made for the MacKenzie Clan of Kintail, Scotland by Edward Bennet and dating from...
Stoneware
Early 20th Century German Signing Bird Automaton
Located in Middleburg, VA
This early 20th century musical bird automaton is an entertaining wonder of mechanics. Automated singing bird with a strong voice and flamboyant plumage amidst foliage in a gilded br...
Brass
Early 20th Century German Signing Bird Automaton
Located in Middleburg, VA
This early 20th century musical bird automaton is an entertaining wonder of mechanics. Automated singing bird with a strong voice and flamboyant plumage amidst foliage in a gilded br...
Brass
1800s American Folk Art Pottery Turnip Form Corked Liquor Flask
Located in Philadelphia, PA
During the mid-1800s, pottery flasks were made in the form of the root vegetables that the liquor was distilled from. Home distillers used potatoes, carr...
Ceramic
Portrait of a Pair of Salukis in a Newcombe Macklin Frame, 1927
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful portrait of two Salukis, one standing the other sitting by artist E. Victor. Painting is framed with a period Arts & Crafts frame by Newcombe Macklin. Painting has some dam...
Paint
French Silver Hunting Dog Desk Ornament
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French silver hunting dog desk ornament This charming piece is cast in steel with a silver finish This is fine quality heavy piece with the dog is po...
Steel
Late 19th Century German Signing Bird Automaton
Located in Middleburg, VA
This late 19th century musical bird automaton is entertaining wonder of mechanics with its automated singing bird with a strong voice and flamboyant plumage amidst foliage in a gilde...
Brass
20th Century German Signing Bird Automaton
Located in Middleburg, VA
20th century musical bird automaton. An automated singing bird with a strong voice and flamboyant plumage amidst foliage in a gilded brass cage. Made in G...
Brass
Late 19th Century German Singing Birds Automaton
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th century musical birds automaton. Two automated singing birds with a strong voices and flamboyant plumage amidst foliage in a gilded brass cage. Made in Germany, circa 1890....
Brass