What Does Jacobean Mean?

Jacobean refers to the style of furnishing and architecture that existed during the time of James I. This style prevailed during the first half of 17th century. It was developed from Tudor and Elizabethan styles. But Jacobean styles introduced Italian models in architecture and consisted of elaborate forms and motifs in furnishing. It employed the ancient styles of the Romans and the Greeks and moved towards a Renaissance expression. The Jacobean style is either very simple or covered with carvings.

Jacobean is also a term related to the literature that existed during the reign of James I. They were humorous but had a lot of satire in it. It often commented on the snobbery of the rich classes and the rise of middle class and the nouveau riches while commenting on their pretence of liking literary works when they had neither taste nor inclination towards it.