A Primer on 18th & 19th Century Dutch Antique Furniture

Like many of its European neighbors, Dutch furniture was influenced by styles adopted by monarchs of powerful countries in the 18th and 19th century. While they followed the lines of the styles of the time, the Dutch also created their own distinct styling, mostly noted by their voluptuous, sturdy and highly decorative look. They often crafted in the bombe style, with lovely curved substructures exotic veneers. As a colonizing culture, the Dutch had access to woods from all over the world and used them in their furniture making. While many pieces were crafted out of mahogany and inlaid with these exotic woods, we also see burl walnut, oak and other domestic  woods being used. Dutch furniture is beautifully crafted and well-adorned without being overly ornate. You will find examples with carved or cast statues, scrolled details and serpentine lines. Then there are those that are much simpler, with cleaner lines for a less formal style. Below we showcase some of our best examples of Dutch craftsmanship:

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Dutch Tall Case Clock in Burr Walnut signed by an Amsterdam Maker:  Features a satinwood inlay. Very often with Dutch tall case clocks of this caliber you would see statues used as finials. On this piece, the statues portray Atlas holding a globe and trumpeting angels.

 

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Antique Dutch Bombe Bureau-Secretary with Fitted Interior:  This piece features the closed upper cabinet and the bulbous bottom often seen on Dutch furniture.

 

Inlaid bombe desk, circa 1910-20. Note the intricate inlay of the Dutch style bombe with multiple compound curves.
Inlaid Bombe Desk, circa 1910-20:  Note the intricate inlay of the Dutch style bombe with multiple compound curves.

 

18th century Dutch Kabinet in Mahogany with Burl Veneer. Kabinets are a furniture piece particular to the Dutch, and always included blind upper doors that were used to store a mixture of china and linen.
18th Century Dutch Kabinet in Mahogany with Burl Veneer:   Kabinets are a furniture piece particular to the Dutch, and always included blind upper doors that were used to store a mixture of china and linen.

 

Rare Early 19th Century Dutch Marquetry Inlaid Vitrine The upper cabinet has glass on four sides and includes a fabric backing. The ornamented center piece is typical of Dutch style.
Rare Early 19th Century Dutch Marquetry Inlaid Vitrine:  The upper cabinet has glass on four sides and includes a fabric backing. The ornamented center piece is typical of Dutch style.

Questions about our collection of Dutch antique furniture? Send us an email or give us a call at 1-800-860-0109.