The Gothick style, or Gothic Revival, was an 18th century reinterpretation of medieval Gothic architecture that began in Englandcirca 1740. Unlike 16th and 17th century manifestations of the Gothic style, which was to suggest the Apostolic Succession of the Anglican Church, the 18th century version was purely decorative, was not strictly copied, and was often blended with exotic elements. Objects of typical Georgian form were applied with tracery, arches, crockets, and pinnacles. Here we share a few early 19th century Neo-Gothic pieces from the Carlton Hobbs collection.

First discovered over two thousand years ago by the Romans, Blue John is an unusual mineral from the area around Mam Tor mountain at Treak Cliff near Castleton in Derbyshire, England (figure 2). This is the only known location where Blue John can be found, though other types of fluorspars are mined throughout the world. The name “Blue John” is believed to derive from the French bleu jaune,1 meaning “blue-yellow,” and it is characterized by bands of blue/purple and yellow/white colored veins. It is a difficult material to work with, as the stone is soft, brittle, and can be altered in coloration by excessive heating.2 Because of its rarity, the material is no longer used on a grand scale. Presently, only approximately one quarter of a ton is excavated each year and is used primarily for jewelry and small objects.

Formerly in the collection of the 4th Earl Poulett, this table originally formed part of the celebrated collection of Hinton House, Hinton St. George, Gloucestershire.

The present table was designed circa 1963 by English sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986). Made entirely of travertine, “one of his favourite stones,” and constructed in two parts, the table was intended for the living room of the Moore family home at 198 Via Mateo Civitali in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, where the family vacationed in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Term of the Day: Grotesque 1/15/10

A mosaic tabletop, probably Roman circa 1680, designed to represent the look of an ancient marble, such as Egyptian alabaster or giallo antico.

A mosaic tabletop, probably Roman circa 1680, designed to represent the look of an ancient marble, such as Egyptian alabaster or giallo antico. On an ebonized base made in the 19th century.

Term of the Day: Chasing 1/8/10

Detail of an engraving titled "Life and Death Contrasted, or, An Essay on Woman", depicting an obelisk inscribed with proverbs, bible verses and sermon excerpts.

As seen in the Carlton Hobbs Weblog article: &quot;LIFE how short, ETERNITY how long!&quot; <a href="http://www.carltonhobbs.net/art/paintings/life-and-death-contrasted-vanitas/2010/01/04/" rel="nofollow">www.carltonhobbs.net/art/paintings/life-and-death-contras...</a>

Detail of an engraving titled &quot;Life and Death Contrasted, or, An Essay on Woman&quot;, depicting worms coiling around a skull and bone in a cemetery.

Three-quarter view of one of a pair of marquetry commodes by Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814). The corner panels running from the top of the commode to the legs are decorated with stylized Roman lamps.

A drawing by Giuseppe Maggiolini from the Civica Raccolta delle Stampe, Milan.

Detail of one of a pair of tables by Giuseppe Maggiolini, circa 1780, probably intended for the Palazzo Reale in Milan.