As the weather changes and the light changes, we are reminded that the only constant in life is in fact change.
On that front, Garden Court Antiques will also be changing its location. We are excited to announce that in the New Year, we will be moving over to the Vermont CenterGoogle Maps Link. We have been so fortunate to have been a part of the community in the Showplace Building for the past 8 years, but it is time to move on.
Please come by and help us to lighten the load of what we will need to move to our new location! We are having our first ever sale. We have marked down several items from 30 to 50% off. We are happy to negotiate with you if you find something that you love.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Cathedra Petri (or Chair of St. Peter), gilded bronze, gold, wood, stained glass, 1647-53 (apse of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome)
The Baroque style or Baroque movement began in about 1600. It was started in Spain and Italy and eventually spread north. This incorporated architecture, music, art, literature and furniture throughout Western Europe for more than 100 years. The huge impact that this style had on culture and architecture during this period was largely due the encouragement that it received from the Catholic Church. The Church was losing huge numbers to the Protestant Reformation that had begun 70 years before Henry Calvin, Martin Luther and others in Northern Europe.
Session of the Council of Trent in Matthias Burglechner, “Tyrolischer Adler,” vol.IX
Following the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church began to encourage the Baroque style. The idea behind the change in direction was to have the art, the music and the architecture to achieve two primary goals, reach out to the masses and show them who is the most powerful.
The first goal of the Baroque style was to have images and architecture that would be more accessible to a less educated population. The images and the music should be bold, simple and dramatic. The architecture should be strong, opulent and intimidating. It was about getting the attention of the people that might be swayed by the ideas of the Protestant Reformation. The goat hoof carved feet and images of epic biblical battles were relatable to the masses.
The second goal of the triumphant music, iconic imagery, bold carving and opulent finishes was to send a message of power and intimidation. There was a public relations battle of huge proportions happening in Europe and the Baroque movement was the Catholic Church’s answer to the austere trends of their Protestant counterparts. The message from the Catholics was
“we are the largest and most powerful entity in the western world and if you want to be on the winning team, stick with us”.
This battle to win the hearts and minds of the people of Europe had huge political and financial ramifications and the Baroque movement was the Catholic Church’s best chance and winning that battle.
A few examples of Baroque Period Pieces you’ll find at Garden Court Antiques:
Spanish Baroque Trestle Table, single plank of walnut top, harp shaped trestle base and wrough iron stretcher, circa 1700Pair of Baroque Carved Gilded Architectural Elements, Italian circa 1760, mounted on later iron basesBaroque Carved Walnut Bonnetiere, French circa 1680Dutch Baroque Period Walnut and Ebonized Mirror Frame 17th century
Georgian Furniture refers to furniture made in England during the time of King George, right? Well, yes and no. You see, there have been six King Georges so far. There reigns span from 1714 to 1952. So, in the world of antiques when we talk about Georgian furniture we need to be more specific about which George or Georges we are referring to.
George IGeorge IIGeorge III
Period Georgian furniture refers to furniture made during the time of George I, George II and George III. This would be from 1714 to 1820. There are many pieces of furniture that are made in the style of Georgian furniture at some later date, but this would not be called period furniture because obviously it was not made during that period.
Given that this period of furniture spanned a century, you can imagine that there were a number of furniture designers and cabinet makers that left their mark on the look and materials used in making Georgian furniture. Some the more memorable designers were Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Robert Adam. While all of these styles of English furniture can be identified by these names, they are all considered forms of Georgian furniture.
Georgian Walnut Chest of Drawers circa 1720
Some of the defining elements of Georgian furniture would be the use of walnut and mahogany veneers. The neoclassical elements that Adams brought into his furniture design was influenced by his study of ancient architecture in Italy. Adams visited the ruins of Pompeii after the extensive uncovering of the ancient city in 1748. He was inspired by the fluted columns and dental mouldings that he saw there and incorporated them into his furniture. His work in interiors and furniture making inspired the Neoclassical movement in English furniture making.
The furniture made in England during the Georgian period had a huge impact furniture and architecture in the furniture made in Virginia and New England during that period. It’s influences can still be seen in contemporary furniture, architecture and interior design throughout the world today.
Georgian Mahogany Game Table, English Circa 1780Georgian Mahogany Armchair with drop seatGeorgian Fruitwood Corner Chair with drop seat
