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Federal
Peak
Popularity ~ 1780 - 1830
The Federal
period got it name because it's birth and the birth of our nation
were more or less simultaneous. This style is sometime called
Post-Colonial or Adamesque - Federal. In 1784 a Scotsman named
Robert Adam visited the ancient ruins and excavations of Herculaneum
in Italy. Mr. Adam and his brother made many drawings of many
designs from the ruins and returned to England to start a style that
the furniture designers, Sheraton and Chippendale would further
enrich. By the late 18th century, these ancient design
elements had crossed the ocean. Given subtle variations by
native carpenters and architects it emerged as our own Federal
style.
Note: There
are only subtle differences between Georgian and Federal styles.
The main feature is the rounded or fan shaped window over the front
door and the sidelights, a small portico with columns and
balustrades.
Defining
Features
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- Front doors
with side lights
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- Columned
portico porches
- Classical Greek detailing of doorway. Palladian windows
and Balustrades
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- Dentil
moldings under the eaves
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- Round or oval shaped rooms in
larger homes -
The
most famous federal-style "oval room" is undoubtedly the
Oval Office of the White House.
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Examples
Gracie Mansion - New York
The Federal House - Painting by
Harry Devlin
If
you have any questions please e-mail us at:
CSchaible@Verizon.net
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