Gothic 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. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its 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 castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes 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 might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.
16th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Paint
17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron
Mid-19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
15th Century and Earlier German Antique Gothic Furniture
Poplar
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
19th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
1840s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
2010s American Gothic Furniture
Copper, Steel
16th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
18th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
19th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Late 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Metal
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Other
1940s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
18th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Brass, Iron
16th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
16th Century Swiss Antique Gothic Furniture
Pine
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Marble
1950s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
19th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
18th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
17th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wool, Oak
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Iron
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Late 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Metal
18th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Giltwood
1950s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Gothic Furniture
Stained Glass
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Mid-18th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Canvas, Wood, Paint
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Alabaster, Ormolu
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Limestone
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Pine
16th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century German Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass