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Neoclassical Lanterns

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Monumental Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Large Rams Head Lantern
Located in Stamford, CT
A Louis XVI style monumental Dore bronze rams head etched glass lantern. This spectacular one of a kind lantern is simply too stunning to behold. The frosted and etched star burst curved panels of glass framed in a heavy thick gilt gold bronze of swag and rose form design. The top depicting several long horned rams heads with shell designs along the edges. This magnificent lantern were purchased from a hotel in France...
Category

1960s Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Swedish Neoclassic Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Swedish neoclassic style three-light brass hall lantern with 18th century style embellishments. The leaf tip crown above scrolling supports an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Large Neoclassical Style Brass and Plate Glass Lantern
Located in London, GB
Large neoclassical style brass and plate glass lantern, French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 119cm, diameter 64cm Made from polished brass and plate glass, this large lantern...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

French Bevelled Glass and Polished Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French bevelled glass and polished brass lantern French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 159cm, diameter 93cm Made from brass and bevelled...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Lantern in Lacquered and Gilded Metal, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical lantern in lacquered and gilded metal circa 1950 etched glass with star pattern. Measure: height with chain: 131 cm (52 in).
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Large Swedish Neoclassic Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
The large Swedish neoclassic style five-light brass hall lantern with 18th century style embellishments. The leaf tip crown above scrolling supports and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

French Beveled Glass and Brass Lantern
Located in London, GB
French beveled glass and brass lantern French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 83cm, diameter 52cm Made from brass and beveled glass, this large lantern is finely crafted in the...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Very Fine Bronze Lantern with Frosted and Cut Crystal Globe
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine bronze lantern with frosted and cut crystal globe, France, circa 1930. 2 lights Dimensions: Height 24", diameter 14 CW2387.
Category

1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Monumental Gothic Style Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine and decorative gothic style lantern, primed and ready to be painted. Acrylic panels. Needs rewiring. 6 available Measures: 15" D; 15...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Aluminum

Large Georgian Hexagonal Lantern, Nickel
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Grand Georgian style hexagonal six-light hall lantern with a nickel finish and a regal crown above a Fleur-de-Lis decorated gallery with six glass panels, an opening door, framed by Roman Ionic...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Nickel

Neoclassical Brass & Silver Plated Lantern with Strong Rounded Faux-Glass Plast
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This neoclassical large lantern is made of brass and silver plated with strong plastic rounded faux-glass. This is a French work, in the style of famous Maison Jansen, circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Silver

18th Century Italian Carved and Gilt Wood Chandelier
Located in Essex, MA
Period 18th century Italian carved and giltwood chandelier with six wrought iron arms. Intricately carved and giltwood canopy with wrought iron extension chain and carved and parcel ...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Superb Gilt Bronze and Crystal Lantern, France, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze lantern oval convex panels, cut and beveled, France, circa 1900. Dimensions: H 37" D 19" 4 lights AH477.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Wonderful French Dore Bronze Curved Glass Ormolu Bow Swag Tassel Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French doré bronze curved glass ormolu-mounted with bows and swags and tassels Lantern 4 candelabra light fixture Provenance: Sotheby's Auction House New York City Wiri...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique Russian Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Amber Glass Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A rare antique Russian neoclassical multi light gilt bronze, amber glass and cut crystal multi light chandelier of very unique shape. This chandelier is of fine workmanship embellish...
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique Russian Neoclassical Balloon Form Silvered Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A very unique antique Russian neoclassical balloon form silvered bronze, cut crystal and glass multi light chandelier of superb quality. T...
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Wonderful French Neoclassical Large Bronze Bow Regency Lantern Fixture Pendent
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Beautiful etched bronze with draping bow lantern, pendant lantern fixture with cutout design around the bottom, fluted and filigree edges the top edge and...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

French 19th-20th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Figural Hanging Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare French 19th-20th century neoclassical style gilt bronze and color-glass figural hanging lantern, the hexagonal shaped body with an orange glass paneling background, each panel centered with a gilt bronze Royal Crest depicting two-winged dragons above a Royal shield...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Italian Etched Glass Silver Plated Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1910 Italian silver plated lantern with etched glass in floral motif and interior cluster of 4 candelabra lights. Measurements: Drop (current) 37" Minimum drop 27" Diam...
Category

1910s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Blown Glass

Spectacular Antique Italian Neoclassical Patinated Bronze Figural Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular and large antique Italian neoclassical patinated bronze multi light figural chandelier of superb detail embellished with a central figure of a neoclassical man and furt...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Wonderful Large French Ormolu Bronze Bow Ribbon Tassel Swags Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful large French ormolu gilt bronze bow, ribbon, tassel, swags and finials three-light lantern fixture. Completely rewired with new sockets and wiring.
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Brass Lantern Hanging Pendant with Handblown Circular Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish 20th century brass lantern hanging pendant with handblown circular glass.
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Panel Round Bent Glass Lantern Four-Light Caldwell Urn Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful neoclassical or regency patina bronze, panel round bent glass lantern with four candelabra lights in the manner of E.F. Caldwell finished off with urn finials all the top...
Category

1930s Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Bronze Entrace Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful, large-scale, Neoclassical-style bronze octagonal entrance lantern with acanthus leaf detail, 1920s U.S.A.
Category

1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Venetian-Style Six-Sided Lantern
Located in Sheffield, MA
The details for great styling, tapered shape, mottled glass, blue-metal framing, gilt leaves and berries at top and bottom. Single light electrified for USA use. Can be used in neocl...
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Palatial & Large Antique Russian Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large antique Russian neoclassical gilt bronze and cut crystal multi light chandelier of fine detail embellished with figural mask...
Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Italian Bronze Hexagon Decorative Tassel Hanging Hall Lantern, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian bronze hexagon glass hanging hall lantern with decorative scrolled arms, filigree upper border, four interior light cluster, and terminati...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Wonderful French Bronze Filigree Frosted Swirl Beveled Glass Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French bronze filigree frosted swirl beveled glass lantern fixture. Measures: 22" H x 9" W.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

French Brass and Glass Octagonal Lantern
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant French brass and glass octagonal lantern composed of eight intricately-textured glass panes encased within a sleek brass frame. This stunning lantern emits a warm and wel...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Neoclassic Lanterns, Sold Individually
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large circa 1940s English neoclassic style patinated bronze lanterns with acanthus leaf detail along the top edge and eight interior lights. Sold individually. Measurement...
Category

1940s English Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

An Important 19th Century Neoclassic Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
An Important 19th Century Neoclassic Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
 Russian
19th Century 
Eight light chandelier with gilt bronze swans Height 48 in. Diameter 36 in. P...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Italian Bronze and Tin Hanging Decorative Lantern, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian bronze and tin hanging lantern with decorative filigree, foliage motif, elliptical chain and original canopy. Chandelier is candle powered and can be electrified. Early 19th ...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Louis XVI style Brass and Bent Glass Lantern
Located in Montreal, QC
Louis XVI style brass and bent glass three-light lantern , this fixture is of a very simple and clean design but has these concave re.entrant glass panels which add an unusual look.
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

An Important Neoclassical Style Eight Light Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
An Important Neoclassical Style Bronze Cut Glass & Tole Peinte Eight Light Chandelier With scrolling candle arms and faceted tole panels painted wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

French Brass and Glass Octagonal Lantern
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French eight sided hanging brass lantern will add a touch of sophistication to any room in your home. Boasting eight panes of textured glass set in an ornate brass struc...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Palatial & Large Antique Russian Neoclassical Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large antique Russian neoclassical gilt bronze, cut crystal and opaline glass multi light chandelier of exquisite craftsman...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Lanterns

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Neoclassical lanterns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical lanterns for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lanterns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical lanterns made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lanterns, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Moe Lighting, and Vaughan Designs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lanterns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $280 and tops out at $72,000 while the average work can sell for $3,825.

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