Art History

A short description of styles from different ages can be of help in recognising and choosing the right product.

Gothic

12th till 16th century. A decorative style, frequently making use of woodcarvings. Designs that were often used were: Gothic arches, rosettes and four-leaf clovers.

Renaissance

13th till 17th century. Classical, architectural classification with lots of symmetry becomes important. Lavish ornaments are applied, in the shape of mythological and biblical figures.

Baroque

17th till the beginning of the 18th century. This style was robust, grand and theatrical with bulging shapes and rich, often gold-plated, woodcarvings. Motives like eagles, trophies and lion's claws were repeated.

Rococo

Beginning till mid 18th century. A frivolous, playful, informal style. Pastel coloured, flowing forms with patterns of flowers, shells, C- and S-scrolls prevailed.

Georgian / Neo-Classicism

Mid till end 18th century. A style, which revived the characteristic shapes of the Classics. Patterns like meander edges, sphinxes, laurel wreaths and ears of corn reappeared again.

Regency / Empire

1790-1830. This style relied heavily on classicism, with severe, rectangular shapes to glorify the regimes of the period. Often recurring patterns were: acanthus leaves, animal masks, scarabs and swans.

Victorian

1837-1901. Revival of historical styles, with the emphasis on rich decorations and carvings. The patterns of earlier periods were frequently used together (eclecticism).

Arts and Crafts

1860-1939. A style characterised by plain, traditional craftsmanship. The decorations were often of a natural design and fitting to the subject. Celtic and Japanese patterns also turned out to be attractive.

Art Nouveau

1890-1914. More information at our Art Deco Webstore: www.artdecowebwinkel.com/96/Over-Art-Deco.

Art Deco

1918-1940. More information at our Art Deco Webstore: www.artdecowebwinkel.com/96/Over-Art-Deco.

Postwar Design

From 1945. More information at our Art Deco Webstore: www.artdecowebwinkel.com/96/Over-Art-Deco.