The alphabet of art & antiques – F is for …

June 16, 2022

Faience

Faience is tin-glazed earthenware made in France, Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia. It is distinguished from tin-glazed earthenware made in Italy, which is called Majolica, and that made in the Netherlands and England, which is called Delft.

A cream-colored ceramic tureen with two handles, raised floral and basket-weave patterns, and a lid topped by a sculpted flower knob. The ornate and classical design showcases the artistry often celebrated in fine antiques, while the surface shows subtle aging. The background is dark gray.
From Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge: French creamware or faience fine soup tureen, 18th century.

Fauvism

Fauvism is a style of painting with vivid expressionistic and non-naturalistic use of color that flourished in Paris from 1905 and, although short-lived, had an important influence on subsequent artists, especially the German expressionists. Matisse was regarded as the movement’s leading figure.

Think of Fauvism as Impressionism that is taken to the absolute extreme with bolder colors and thicker brushstrokes (often applied straight from the paint tubes).

Colorful painting of an open window framed by pink and teal walls, with potted plants on the windowsill and green vines. Outside, several sailboats float on a blue and pink water scene under a soft sky, rendered in loose, expressive brushstrokes. The composition celebrates art’s ability to capture moments both vibrant and serene, with touches that evoke the charm of cherished antiques nestled among the greenery.
Open Window, Collioure (1905) by Henri Matisse

Ferronnière

The ferronnière was a delicate jewelry item worn by women on the forehead which served to help hold hairstyles in place. It consisted of a chain with fine links – or a textile thread – usually with a single gemstone in the center. The name is derived from a painting, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, named La Belle Ferronnière (from French: “the beautiful blacksmith’s wife”) currently in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, see below.

A Renaissance-style portrait of a woman with dark hair parted in the center, wearing a red dress with gold trim, layered necklaces, and a thin headband, gazing softly at the viewer against a dark background—a timeless work of art reminiscent of treasured antiques.

Festoon

A festoon is a decorative element consisting of a wreath or garland hanging from two points. In architecture, a festoon is typically a carved ornament depicting an arrangement of flowers, foliage or fruit bound together and suspended by ribbons. The motif is sometimes known as a swag when depicting fabric or linen.

A carved stone garland decorates a tan brick wall, reminiscent of classic antiques. The garland features detailed oak leaves and acorns, hanging in a swooping curve with two bunches at each end, each tied up with a large ribbon. There is a decorative border above the garland, highlighting the intricate art of traditional stonework.

Fibula

A fibula is a decorated fastening brooch which was used by the Romans to secure a robe on the shoulder. It is the ancient equivalent of a safety pin.

A small, ornate gold brooch shaped like a semicircular arch with engraved lettering—perfect for any antiques alphabet enthusiast—ending in two round knobs. The brooch has a detailed, rectangular catch plate and intricate beaded decorations, displayed on a plain gray background.
Roman gold crossbow fibula (brooch), A.D. 286–305 or 306/7–308/9. Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Filigree

Filigree is a form of intricate metalwork used in jewelry and other small forms of metalwork. In jewelry, filigree is usually made of gold and silver, with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both in combination, soldered together and arranged in artistic motifs.

Intricate gold chandelier earrings, inspired by the art of antique jewelry, adorned with pearls, gemstones, and bird motifs in ornate patterns. Each earring features multiple dangling pearled chains, filigree details, and an amber-colored stone at the top and center.
From Kentshire: A pair of antique day-to-night gold filigree, foiled citrine, and seed pearl earrings, probably Neapolitan.

Fleur de Lis

The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily that is used as a decorative design or symbol. Traditionally, the fleur-de-lis has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity.

A rectangular, antique wooden table with two small drawers, ornate brass handles, and decorative carvings; supported by a central pedestal base with four curved legs on wheels. This fine piece of art showcases intricate wood grain and brass accents in close-up, making it a true treasure among antiques.
From Carlton Hobbs: interesting burr mulberry or elm and brass inlaid sofa table with drawers, flanked by panels, filled with a fleur de lis motif. English, first quarter of the 19th century.

Fluting

Fluting is a decoration formed by making a series of parallel, semi-circular shallow grooves running along a surface.

A brown, tall, oval-shaped ceramic vase with a narrow neck and wide lip. This striking piece of art features intricate, symmetrical, vertical patterns etched around the body, giving it a textured, feathered appearance. Reminiscent of fine antiques, the vase stands out beautifully against the plain light gray background.
From Artistoric: Doulton Lambeth fluted stoneware vase (1886-1891)

Fretwork

Fretwork is an interlaced decorative design that is either carved in low relief on a solid background or cut out with a saw. Most fretwork patterns are geometric in design. The materials most commonly used are wood and metal.

A dark wood table with intricate geometric and floral carvings on the sides and legs, a flat rectangular top, and a lower shelf featuring matching decorative patterns. This ornate and traditional piece of art is possibly of East Asian origin, making it a striking addition to any collection of antiques.
From James Sansum: Kimbel and Cabus Japonisme rosewood center table with fretwork apron, circa 1880.

By Vera Vandenbosch