Taste and the Antique
The Appreciation of Classical Decorative Arts
For Nicholas Wells Antiques
Introduction
Taste is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is a cultivated sensibility, shaped by history, philosophy, and aesthetics. Throughout the centuries, connoisseurs, collectors, and designers have looked to the past to define beauty, refinement, and artistic excellence. Nowhere is this more evident than in the enduring fascination with classical antiquity and its influence on both the fine and decorative arts.
From the rediscovery of ancient sculpture during the Renaissance to the 18th-century Grand Tour and the neoclassical revival, the appreciation of antique forms has shaped the Western aesthetic tradition. At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we celebrate this rich heritage, curating objects that embody the ideals of proportion, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. This essay explores how taste for the antique has evolved, examining the role of sculpture, decorative arts, and fine objects in defining the language of beauty and sophistication.
The Birth of Classical Taste: Antiquity as a Model for Beauty
The Renaissance and the Rediscovery of the Antique
The Renaissance was a turning point in the appreciation of classical antiquity. As ancient ruins were excavated across Rome and Greece, sculptural masterpieces such as the Laocon Group and the Apollo Belvedere were unearthed, inspiring a new standard of artistic excellence. These works, with their idealised proportions and dramatic compositions, became models for Renaissance sculptors such as Michelangelo, who sought to emulate the perfection of the antique.
This period also saw the revival of classical decorative forms in architecture, furniture, and design. The use of Corinthian columns, grotesque ornamentation, and finely carved intaglios reflected a refined taste that valued the past as a source of artistic authority.
The Grand Tour and the Cult of Collecting
By the 18th century, the Grand Tour had become an essential rite of passage for Europes elite. Wealthy young men, particularly from Britain, travelled to Italy and Greece to immerse themselves in classical culture, acquiring ancient sculptures, cameos, and architectural fragments as souvenirs of their intellectual pursuits. These objects were not just decorative; they signified erudition, refinement, and social status.
The influence of the Grand Tour can be seen in the interiors of the great country houses of England, where sculpture galleries became a staple of aristocratic taste. Plaster casts of ancient marbles, alongside original Roman busts, bronze and marble sculptures after the antique and neoclassical furniture, created spaces that reflected both education and sophistication.
Neoclassicism and the Decorative Arts: The Pursuit of Elegance
Sculpture and the Ideal Form
The neoclassical movement, which flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was driven by a renewed appreciation for the purity and symmetry of ancient sculpture. Artists such as Antonio Canova and John Flaxman sought to revive the grace and simplicity of classical figures, creating sculptures that echoed the dignified poise of their ancient predecessors.
Canovas marble statues, including Venus Italica and Perseus with the Head of Medusa, exemplified the neoclassical ideal: smooth, polished surfaces, serene expressions, and carefully studied anatomical precision. These works were not mere imitations but reinterpretations, blending classical beauty with contemporary sensibilities.
At the same time, decorative arts followed suit, with craftsmen emulating the crisp lines and restrained ornamentation of antiquity. Elegant furniture, adorned with delicate bronze mounts, sphinx motifs, and Grecian urns, became symbols of cultivated taste.
The Influence of Wedgwood and the Classical Revival
One of the most significant contributors to the neoclassical decorative arts was Josiah Wedgwood. His jasperware creations, often in the iconic blue-and-white palette, featured classical scenes and figures reminiscent of ancient cameos. These refined objects, from vases to medallions, brought the grandeur of antiquity into domestic settings, making classical taste accessible beyond the aristocracy.
Wedgwoods designs, inspired by Roman pottery and Greek friezes, set a new standard in elegance, influencing generations of craftsmen and collectors. The popularity of such pieces demonstrated that classical taste was not confined to sculpture alone but permeated all aspects of artistic production.
The 19th and 20th Centuries: Evolution of Antique Taste
Romanticism and the Gothic Countermovement
While neoclassicism dominated much of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the rise of Romanticism brought a shift in aesthetic preferences. The Gothic Revival, championed by figures like Augustus Pugin, favoured medieval ornamentation over classical restraint, leading to a divergence in taste.
Nevertheless, classical antiquity remained an enduring influence, particularly in academic painting and the continued production of neoclassical sculpture. The appeal of ancient Rome and Greece persisted, particularly among collectors who saw antiquities as tangible connections to a lost golden age.
20th-Century Modernism and the Rediscovery of the Classical Ideal
Modernism initially rejected historicist styles, favouring abstraction and industrial materials over traditional ornamentation. However, the principles of classical proportion and balance found a new champion in figures like Le Corbusier, who admired the mathematical precision of ancient Greek architecture.
Simultaneously, leading collectors such as Sir John Soane ensured that the legacy of antique taste remained alive. Soanes house-museum, filled with Greek vases, Roman busts, and architectural fragments, became a testament to the timeless appeal of classical beauty.
The Relevance of Classical Taste Today
Today, classical taste continues to hold sway in both the fine and decorative arts. A renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, historical depth, and enduring elegance has led contemporary collectors to seek out antiques that embody the ideals of past centuries.
- Sculpture and the Art of the Grand Tour: Classical busts, whether original antiquities or 19th-century copies, remain highly sought after, lending an air of sophistication to interiors.
- Neoclassical Furniture and Interior Design: Designers continue to draw inspiration from classical motifs, integrating antique furniture into modern spaces to create a sense of timeless grandeur.
- The Value of Provenance and History: As mass-produced decor becomes increasingly ubiquitous, the unique character of antiqueseach with its own story and lineagehas gained new appreciation.
Conclusion
Taste for the antique is more than a passing trend; it is an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. From the sculpture galleries of Renaissance Rome to the refined interiors of the neoclassical era, classical beauty has shaped how we define elegance, proportion, and artistic excellence.
At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we celebrate this tradition, curating fine and decorative arts that reflect the highest standards of craftsmanship and historical significance. Whether through the smooth contours of a Canova-inspired sculpture or the delicate relief of a Wedgwood vase, the antique remains a powerful testament to human creativity and the enduring legacy of taste.
