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FYI
For your interest, here is a basic chronological glossary of terms to use when identifying furniture and design movements. Each country (sometimes each region) added its own unique wrinkle to a style and, of course there are many transitional variations.

Many styles have synonyms consisting of the name of a French monarch. For example, Rococo is the style popularized by and in vogue during the time of Louis XV. The reason for this seems to have come from the fact that the French monarchy was, historically, among the most stable in Europe.

Alabaster
A fine grained stone that is usually gray or white in color and is slightly translucent

Armoire
A large, often ornate cabinet or wardrobe

Art Deco
Opposite of Art Nouveau, Art Deco pays homage to the machine age with bold straight line Think of New York's Chrysler

Art Nouveau
Sinuous flowing lines, naturalistic detail, often asymmetrical lines as reaction to encroachment of industrialism

Attributed
In our opinion

Baroque
Heaviness in full swing now, Massive architectural carvings, full figured mounts, thick floral and fruited garlands, high relief carvings

Bears the signature
Signed

Blackamoor
Dark skinned figure dressed in a colorful costume. First created in Venice , these figures were carved and used as a support for tables and torchieres

Candelabra
A decorative branched candlestick

Chenets
Ornamental pieces placed in front of a fire place

Chevel Mirror
A full length standing mirror

Cloisonne
Style and technique used to apply enamel on metal objects

Commode
French term to describe a low bureau or cabinet

Console
A table that can be attached to a wall having two front legs or may be free standing against the wall

Empire
Heavy architectural forms, winged chimera, massive bronze mounts

Erard
Considered one of France 's finest piano works company

Gesso
A past prepared with glue (Plaster of Paris), spread upon a surface to fit it for painting or gilding

Gilt Bronze
A thin layer of gold applied on bronze

Giltwood
A thin layer of gold leaf or gold foil applied on wood

Gothic
Usually features lancet arches, finials and pierce carving. Think Notre Dame

Inlay
A technique used with furniture and ceramics when part of a surface is removed and replaced with a contrasting material

Mannerism
Heaviness begins with this style, Often includes carvings of semi-human figures and fruit

Marquetry
The term used to describe the decorative work in which a pattern is formed by inserting contrasting material in a veneered surface

Neoclassical
Tapering lines and classical motifs. Straightness as reaction to excesses of Rococo. Torch & quiver, ribbons are indicative

Onyx
A translucent quartz with a shiny finish

Parlor Set
Term used to describe a settee with matching chairs

Porcelain
A hard, translucent ceramic made by firing and glazing a fine clay

Putti
More than one putto.

Putto
Fine Arts. A representation of a cherubic infant, often shown winged.

Regency
Lightness makes its return with this style but some massive mounts remain Cabriole legs and ormolu mounts are common

Renaissance
Style reflects period zeitgeist and includes many allusions to classical Greece & Rome.
Detail includes scrolling foliage, delicate intarsia columns, urns, flowing robed women, etc.

Rococo
Style is most characterized by an absolute abhorrence of straight lines. Rocaille, scallops, c-scrolls and delicate foliage reign.

School
By one of his/her followers

Sconce
A decorative wall bracket for candles or electric lights

Sevre Porcelain
The first factory opened in the town of Sevre in 1756. Sevre porcelain is considered the finest of the French porcelains

Vernis Martin
Term used to describe a special varnishing technique perfected by the Brothers Martin in the 1730's

Vitrine
A glass showcase used to display a collection of fine small objects of art

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z