Historicism – about 1840 to 1914

Historicism is a Central European epoch and rather to be considered as ‘a phenomenon’ of the 2nd half of the 19th century. In contrast to former art-historical epochs, a parallel orientation towards other styles occurred in historicism. This phenomenon is called pluralism of style. Consequently, historicism cannot be determined to a specific characteristic. Yet, the coexistence of classicism and romanticism at the beginning of the 19th century indicated the direction for Central Europe.

The most formative time for historicism extended from 1850 to 1914. Thus this epoch is valid as a transfer between the Biedermeier period and art nouveau. The stylistic means, which were used in historicism, are divided in subcategories. Only their art-historical indications let the motives of the resulting creations comprehend and explain. Neo-gothic, neo-romanticism, neo-renaissance, new mannerism, neo-baroque and neo-rococo left their unequivocal architectural and artistic traces. One can accuse historicism a certain indecision without depreciating its legacy in any form. Maybe it is not so speculative at all that the population being situated between the establishment of electricity and the invention of the car was a bit frightened facing the influence of the new. The grab to historical models and shape ideals concludes, in any case, the shyness to move away from traditional taste. Here historicism socially connects-associates again with the Biedermeier period. While in the British kingdom ruled a subdued mood after 1850, all signs in Central Europe pointed towards harmony. While in England mainly mourning jewellery made from jet was worn, garnet jewellery was very popular in historicism. Still today splendid and very wide garnet necklaces testify from big formative measure. The gemstone was loved quite obviously and originated in its most creative processings from Bohemia. Garnet brooches, bracelets and earrings with the seal ‚Bohemian garnets” stand for highest quality and attention to details. We have some of these fantastic works for you in our repertoire. Get enchanted. Follow the shining red.