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antique, antiques, Baroque, bedroom, cherry, Elizabethan, Georgian, Jacobean, office, Queen Anne, sale, set, walnut, William and Mary
Early American furniture shares vast similarities with Jacobean style because it was the inspiration for the pilgrims’ furniture. For this reason, early American, Jacobean reproductions are often described as “pilgrim furniture.” The William and Mary period, although short-lived, marked a new appreciation of simplicity and refinement. As with all stylistic periods of art or design, influences from William and Mary overlapped into the next era: Queen Anne. The Georgian period followed Queen Anne, updating the previous style with new ornamentation.
Jacobean
The Jacobean period is noteworthy because it represents a unique facet of English history: the Interregnum, the only time when no monarch was on the throne. The Jacobean period, roughly 1600–1690, stretches from the reign of James I to that of James II, including Charles I and II, as well as the time of the Commonwealth. Lasting nearly a century, Jacobean style can be broken into three distinct sets: early, late, and Commonwealth style. Ultimately the period was strongly influenced by Flemish Baroque. Chests, cupboards, trestle tables, wainscot chairs, and gateleg tables were popular pieces during the Jacobean period.
Antiqued Walnut Jacobean Dining Room Table
Early Jacobean furniture was strongly influenced by the previous era: Elizabethan. It looked nearly medieval with a dark finish, straight lines, rigid patterns, solid construction, and ornate carvings. The Commonwealth style’s simple designs and unadorned nature reflect the artistic and politically blurry nature of the Interregnum. The Restoration saw Charles II return to the throne from exile. His court brought influences from France, the Netherlands, and elsewhere abroad.
William and Mary
Between the Jacobean and Queen Anne periods, William and Mary ruled England shortly (13 years) after the Glorious Revolution. The antique period lasted a bit longer, roughly 1690–1725. With a Dutch king on the throne, Dutch styles influenced art, design, and furniture throughout this period. The Queen had exquisite taste (e.g. fine china collections) and a flair for design, so the public looked to her for inspiration. Historians and artists define this era via trumpet-turned legs that terminate in a ball or Spanish foot, hooded tops, flat arch aprons, “straight cup” turned legs and shaped stretchers. William and Mary style features Flemish, Dutch, French and Chinese influences. Oriental Lacquer-work also dominates this period in furniture history.
Antiqued Cherry William and Mary Dresser Chest
Queen Anne
For American furniture, Queen Anne antiques are roughly from the 1720s to around 1760. It is important to note that Queen Anne died in 1714; however, the furniture period continued past her death. The style coincides with the Colonial Period and can be difficult to identify because of design similarities with the preceding period, William and Mary, and the following Chippendale style. Furniture from the Queen Anne era marks a move toward refinement and elegance.
Cherry Queen Anne Executive Office Set
Georgian
The Georgian era in English history begins after Queen Anne’s rule and refers to the consecutive reigns of George I, George II, George III, and George IV. This period in antique history spans from 1714 to 1760 while George I and George II were on the throne, intersecting the Queen Anne style for years. The remainder of what history calls England’s Georgian era includes Chippendale, Robert Adam, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton furniture styles; this period is called “The Golden Age of Furniture.”
Antiqued Walnut Georgian King Bedroom Set
Georgian style is comparable to that of Queen Anne but much more ornate. It features stronger, heavier proportions, ornately carved cabriole legs, elaborate carvings, pierced back splats, and an emphasis on gilding. A major difference, and the most important transition, to furniture from Queen Anne to Georgian was the wood materials. Mahogany replaced walnut as the favored furniture material of cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and artisans. Popular choices for furniture included marble-topped side tables, shell-spangled chairs, and legs with fish-scaled scrolls.