Gothic Revival Furniture Characteristics
Gothic revival furniture ranges in type from expensive antiques from the 19th century to inexpensive modern reproduction pieces.
Gothic revival furniture characteristics. The furniture of the gothic period with its characteristic contour and ornaments derived from the gothic art which originated in france at the beginning of the 12th century. Running parallel with the renaissance revival style and containing many of the same elements confusingly was gothic revival. Gothic revival architectural style that drew its inspiration from medieval architecture and competed with the neoclassical revivals in the united states and great britain.
Much like the castle or cathedral that inspired it a gothic revival chair makes a bold design statement. Pointed windows with decorative tracery. Pointed tops spiky pilasters arches and rosette motifs tended to distinguish the style even if these elements originally decorated medieval cathedrals rather than furniture.
In its early stages the furniture was quite simple than it evolved. Gothic revival furniture echoed the architecture of the cathedrals churches castles and homes of the wealthy nobles the furniture was made for. The gothic revival 1840 1860.
Gothic furniture is a distinct and powerful design statement. Gothic design was the first true ecclesiastical style and was symbolic of the triumph pf the catholic church over paganism in europe. This is relatively easy to identify for collectors.
Gothic revival also referred to as victorian gothic neo gothic or gothick is an architectural movement that began in the late 1740s in england. It often carries a religious connotation because gothic architecture is associated with church design. Only isolated examples of the style are to be found on the continent.
It incorporated heavy woods rosewood walnut or oak in dark stains and colors and distinctive ornamentation into its design. Its initial design period was c 1150 to 1550 but saw a revival in the 19th century by the victorians. Its momentum grew in the early 19th century when increasingly serious and learned admirers of neo gothic styles sought to revive medieval gothic architecture in contrast to the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time.