Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
1790s English Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas, Wood
18th Century Unknown Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
17th Century Italian Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
Early 20th Century English Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Ebony
19th Century French Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Giltwood, Glass
18th Century South American Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Other
17th Century Italian Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Porcelain
18th Century Peruvian Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
Late 18th Century European Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Copper
Late 18th Century German Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Other
Early 20th Century English Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Ebony
20th Century French Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Cut Glass
Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Enamel
1760s English Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Stoneware