Federal Paintings
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.
1830s American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas
1840s American Antique Federal Paintings
Wood
1830s American Antique Federal Paintings
Glass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Paint
19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas
19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas
1970s American Vintage Federal Paintings
Paper
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas
1880s American Antique Federal Paintings
Brass
1830s Antique Federal Paintings
Paint
Mid-19th Century English Antique Federal Paintings
Paint
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Paintings
Paint
1930s American Vintage Federal Paintings
Paint
1840s English Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas, Oak
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Glass, Softwood, Paint
1970s Belgian Vintage Federal Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas
19th Century Antique Federal Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Paintings
Mirror, Wood