Gothic Revival Furniture
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.
18th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 18th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
17th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
1610s European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
Mid-18th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Early 17th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
Mid-17th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
18th Century Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
Late 18th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
Late 17th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
1760s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Marble
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood, Giltwood
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Metal, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
1930s Italian Vintage Gothic Revival Furniture
Metal
17th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
1940s French Vintage Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
17th Century Italian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
Early 1800s European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Pine
Early 19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
18th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
18th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood
Late 18th Century Sicilian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Fruitwood, Lacquer
Late 18th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Marble
Late 18th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Marble
18th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Paper
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
Late 18th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Late 18th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Limestone
Late 18th Century German Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Early 18th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
17th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Marble