Federal Folk Art
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1790s Antique Federal Folk Art
Silk
1820s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Maple, Paint
1830s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Glass
19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Federal Folk Art
Composition
19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Federal Folk Art
Terracotta
1830s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Paper
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Oak
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Pine, Paint
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Gold, Steel
Early 19th Century German Antique Federal Folk Art
Glass
Early 20th Century Russian Federal Folk Art
Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Folk Art
Limestone
Mid-19th Century Hungarian Antique Federal Folk Art
Pine
Early 20th Century French Federal Folk Art
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Copper
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Silk
1950s English Vintage Federal Folk Art
Stone
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Folk Art
Pine
20th Century Federal Folk Art
Iron
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Federal Folk Art
Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Pine, Paint
1810s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Brass
Early 20th Century American Federal Folk Art
Wood
1880s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Silk
1810s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Paper
1890s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Wool
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Muslin
1890s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Muslin
1890s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Linen
1860s American Antique Federal Folk Art
Copper
Late 19th Century North American Antique Federal Folk Art
Copper
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Folk Art
Mirror