antique

antique

antique. The term has been used collectively to designate classical Greek and Roman works of art, particularly sculptures; as an adjective to indicate an object, a period, or a style of ancient or early times; and as a noun, for objects of art, furniture, rugs, pottery, metalwork, costumes, jewelry, and household goods of early production and for old artifacts generally. The demand and prices paid for antiques have led to the widespread making of reproductions and reconstructions, some with spurious marks of age. See antique collecting. For a description of the characteristics of various styles, see Directoire, Empire, Louis period, and régence styles.

Bibliography

See L. Rosenstein, Antiques: The History of an Idea (2008).

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antique

1. 

a. a decorative object, piece of furniture, or other work of art created in an earlier period, that is collected and valued for its beauty, workmanship, and age

b. (as modifier): an antique shop

2. any object made in an earlier period

3. the. the style of ancient art, esp Greek or Roman art, or an example of it

4. made in or in the style of an earlier period
www.antiqueweb.com
http://antiquerestorers.com
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/speak/index.htm

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005