The Classical Influence

Throughout the 18^th century, the architecture and art of ancient Greece and Rome were the predominant influence on architecture and design in Great Britain and North America. This classical or “antique” taste is readily seen in the design of buildings and the decoration of rooms, especially in the work of the Adam brothers.

The dining room of Landsdowne House, London, designed by Robert Adam, as installed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

While ancient, classical motifs were widely used as decoration in the designs of Robert and James Adam and the guides of Hepplewhite and Sheraton, there were limited attempts to utilize or emulate the actual forms of ancient furniture.

Ancient Greek vase painting showing  a woman playing a lyre seated on a klismos.

Ancient Greek stele depicting a woman seated on a klismos.

This did not really occur until the early 19^th century in Britain with the designs of Thomas Hope, who set out to reproduce ancient Greek forms, particularly chairs, and the work of such firms as Gillows of Lancaster.

Chair designs by Thomas Hope.

English mahogany chair (one of a pair) of the Regency/George IV period with low curving crest rail and reeded legs.

Side view showing the “klismos” shape.

In the young United States, this influence was especially strong in classical furniture of major metropolitan areas such as New York and Philadelphia and the painted furniture of Baltimore.

New York classical chair, mahogany, c.1820

Side view showing the continuous line from the top of the stiles to the bottom of the front legs.

Baltimore painted chair, c.1820, decorated with classical motifs in gilt. The overall shape is closer to that of the English chair than the New York example.

R.J.Fendorf
Antiques 
in the Georgian Village
1714 West 45th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
913.302.3206
jfendorf@yahoo.com