The Alphabet of Art & Antiques – F is for…

September 14, 2020

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.

Decorative plate with scalloped edges, featuring a painted scene of a person in blue and yellow clothing among green leaves and colorful flowers. Reminiscent of fine antiques, the rim has wavy orange and yellow lines, and the background is white with small dotted details.

From Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge: French faience Moustier-style plate, 19th 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).

A colorful painting shows an open window with pink walls and green leaves. Through the window, sailboats float on blue water under a pastel sky. Potted plants with red flowers sit on the windowsill, creating a lively, inviting scene that celebrates art and evokes the charm of treasured antiques.

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.

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.

Stone relief on a tan brick wall depicts a garland of oak leaves and acorns, draped in a U-shape, with detailed ribbons and bunches hanging at each end, carved with intricate detailing to resemble natural textures—a true work of art that captures the elegance often seen in fine antiques.

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 gold ancient Roman fibula (brooch) with a curved arch engraved with alphabet-like text, ending in two round knobs, and a decorated, rectangular catch plate. This remarkable piece of art is displayed on a plain grey 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.

Ornate gold bracelet with pointed, filigree panels. Each panel has a square border of blue, red, and green enamel, with a central circular cluster of small white pearls. The intricate design draws inspiration from antique art forms and exudes a regal presence, set beautifully against a black background.

From Lang Antiques: seed pearl & enamel filigree bracelet

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 jeweled brooch in the shape of a fleur-de-lis is set against a dark background. This exquisite piece of art is encrusted with numerous round, sparkling clear gemstones, highlighting the ornate edges and central design. The brooch exudes an air of timeless elegance, reminiscent of prized antiques.

From Lang Antiques: Victorian diamond fleur-de-lis pendant/brooch

Fluting

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

Cream-colored, oval-shaped alabaster jar with a short neck, flat lid, and vertical ribbed grooves running from top to bottom. The surface is smooth but shows faint markings and minor discoloration, suggesting age and historical use—qualities prized in antiques. Set against a neutral gray background, this piece exemplifies the timeless artistry found in ancient objects.

English fluted bottle with lid, circa 1950 B.C. Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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.

Two wooden chairs with intricate geometric latticework on the backrest and sides, constructed from dark bamboo, evoke the refined beauty of antique furniture. The seats are flat and the legs are square and sturdy, connected by horizontal supports. Both chairs are angled slightly to display front and side views, resembling works of art in their craftsmanship.

Pair of 19th century Chinese bamboo fretwork armchairs. Image via Christie’s.

By Vera Vandenbosch