Neoclassical Drawings
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
Architectural Etching, La Sculpture & La Peinture
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Architectural print
Total of 6 available
2 horizontal & 4 vertical prints
Dimensions:
Frame: 16” W x 20.25” H x 1” D
Etching: 9.5” W x 13.75” H.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted & Framed Architectural Drawings, Set of 8
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office or study with this beautiful suite of framed antique drawings. Created in France circa 1920, each artwork is set in a carved giltwood frame and protected with glas...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
A Collection of Engravings Illustrating 18th Century Furniture and Objects
Located in Middleburg, VA
A Collection of Engravings Illustrating 18th Century Furniture and Objects that the artist felt represented certain locations around the world...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Giltwood, Paper
Noël Marcel Lambert (French, 1847-1928) Views of Versailles and the Two Trianons
Located in Buchanan, MI
Noël Marcel Lambert
(French, 1847-1928)
Views of Versailles and the Two Trianons (eight works)
engravings
largest 13 1/2 x 19 1/4 inches.
Framed: 22 x 30 1/4 inches.
Priced per engra...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Don Swann (1889-1954) Original Etching Limited Editon
Located in Clermont, FL
Limited edition original etching by American artist Don Swann (1889-1954). Titled a "A Spring Shower", piece was etched onto copper plates prior to printing....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Copper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Framed, signed and dated.
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Neoclassical Ink & Watercolor Architectural Elevation, Italy, circa 1780
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite Italian circa 1780 large scale ink and watercolor on paper neoclassical architectural elevation proposal for a theatre hall inscribed at the top "Pensiero della Salla de...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Large Battlefield Drawing Attributed to Hippolyte Bellange (French, 1800-1866)
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Drawing of a revolutionary battlefield attributed to Hippolyte Bellange, representing the End of the Siege of Lille by the Duke Albert of Saxe on the 8th of October 1792 (the French storm out of the city) according to manuscript legend.
Ink and wash on paper.
Joseph-Louis-Hippolyte Bellange (1800-1866) studied with Gros. He first made his name at the Paris Salon as a battle painter. He was known for his exquisitely detailed paintings of military revolutionary and Napoleonic scenes. He celebrated French glory. He enjoyed considerable popular and official success. He was Keeper of the Rouen Museum from 1835 to 1852.
His work can be found in major art institutions.
Our drawing can be compared to a watercolor in the British Royal Collection Trust...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Drawing is framed, signed and dated.
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Neoclassical Drawing of Roman Ruins, 18th Century French School
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Neoclassical capriccio view of majestic Roman ruins with small figures engaged in daily activities in the background.
Pencil, ink and wash on paper. Set in a Louis XVI style giltwood...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Charcoal Artists Drawing of Reclining Nude Male Model
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A fine charcoal and chalk reclining nude study of a handsome young man. Soft lines with charcoal and contrasting chalk.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pair of French Neoclassical Ruin Drawings
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Pair of landscape drawings, one showing a country outing with mountains and ruins in the background, the other showing characters in an imaginary setting of ruins.
Ink and wash on pa...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Technical Nautical Drawings Done by Rh Gibson in 1963 for Talbot Historical Scty
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Antique, original nautical blueprint drawings, a pair.
Original, professional frames.
27"×13" is the larger one. 26×11.5 is the smaller one.
Used to build smaller scale versions of t...
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Parchment Paper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Framed, dated and signed.
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
18th Century Framed Lithographs of Important Men - 21 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Group of 4 (individual) lithographs of important men of their day. Finely detailed. Framed and matted with bone linen matte. Silver-leafed frames. 21 available.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Framed, signed and dated.
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
American Classical Period Scissor-Cut Silhouette by Auguste Edouart, Dated 1845
By Auguste Edouart
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very good 19th century American Classical Period / Empire Period scissor-cut silhouette by Auguste Edouart, depicting the full length figure of a prominent New York gentleman with spectacles in hand, gazing out the window from a partially hand-coloured parlour interior. Set within its original & highly figured bird's eye maple frame & burnished gilt fillet.
Signed & dated lower left, 'Aug. Edouart, fecit 1845, 369 Broadway, New York'.
The reverse referencing a family provenance purportedly associated with a collection having once belonged to a Civil War officer by the name of Nathan Hale...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper, Birdseye Maple
Chromolithographs "Grand Foyer Et Loggia De L'opéra De Paris" Daumont 19th C.
By Daumont
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of 19th century chromolithographs by Daumont presents two views of the grand foyer and loggia of the Paris Opera. On one, there is a view of a detail of a bay decorated with an "Italia" medallion painted by Paul Baudry...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th C, Academy Student Drawing, Pencil on Paper
Located in Leuven , BE
Drawing framed, dated and signed.
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Four Framed Pencil Signed and Numbered Etchings, Finely Framed and Matted
Located in Stamford, CT
Four framed pencil Signed and Numbered Etchings. Finely framed and matted. A simply lovely group of wall decorations. Each hand drawn, signed and numb...
Category
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
1980s American School Style Interior Scene of a Sitting Room Watercolor Painting
Located in Morristown, NJ
American School (20th c.), Interior scene, watercolor on paper, signed and dated "Wisner, '81" lower right. A charming, colorful and detailed representation of a beautiful room-scape. It makes me want to grab a good book and snuggle up by the fire.
The framing is by The House of Heydenryk...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Leon Mazurowski Borzoi Dogs Graphite and Charcoal Drawing on Paper
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Leon Mazurowski Borzoi Graphite and Charcoal Drawing on Paper from a Palm Beach estate.
Frame size is 23h x 31 w x 1 deep
Im...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Early 19th Century Architectural Prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard De La Fresque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three gorgeous early 19th century architectural prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque (1764-1846).
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
19th Century Academic Drawing, Representing a Miguel Angelo Scene
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This drawing is an authentic drawing framed in a gilded wooden frame, and placed under a Marie-Louise. It is an authentic drawing from the 19th century made in France, by an artist w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Framed Figurative Drawing by Robert Henri Ashcan School
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed pencil/charcoal drawing of a figure by Robert Henri (1865-1929). The work depicts an old man dons a cape and a hat and holds an umbrella, and is likely a study by the artist...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
18th Century Italian Neo Classical Villa of Maecenas Black and White Engraving
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office or study with this antique black and white engraving. Hand colored in Italy circa 1770, the large monochromatic etching is...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
18th Century Italian Neo Classical Saint John Basilica Black and White Engraving
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office or study with this antique black and white engraving. Hand colored in Italy circa 1775, the large monochromatic etching is...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Eight 19 Century Neoclassical English Engravings by Richard Dagley
By Richard Dagley
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A set of eight English engravings of classical subjects titled: Bacchus Reeling; Apollo & Marsyas; Egyptian Symbols; Cupid Embracing Psyche; Mercury; D...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Parchment Paper
18th Century Pair of Italian Nude Men Drawings after Procaccini
By Giulio Cesare Procaccini
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Neoclassical red sanguine on paper drawings of seated male nudes, two academical study of nude men, Italian drawing works on paper after Procaccini, dating back to late 18th ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Blue and White Neoclassical Mythological Figure Drawing
Located in New York, NY
Blue and white neoclassical mythological figure drawing. Beautiful contemporary ensemble piece consisting of a hand drawn neoclassical goblet with a male and anthemion bordered rim w...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Watercolor by John Varley, 1812
By Ernest William Varley
Located in Kittery Point, ME
'Llanberis Lake at the Foot of Mount Snowdon' in Wales.
Watercolor on paper, signed and dated "J. Varley 1812" ll, identifying info on verso.
sight size: 8 x 19 3/4 in.
John Varley is known as an English landscape painter in watercolor and a close friend of William Blake. Varley represents the transition between tinted topographical drawing and the bolder, more fully developed manner of watercolor painting characteristic of the 19th century. As well as being a leading painter, he was the most popular and enthusiastic teacher of his day: his pupils included Cox, De Wint, Linnell, Mulready (his brother-in-law), and Samuel Palmer, and he published various instructional works, including one with Blake.
In his early years Varley was influenced stylistically by the work of Thomas Girtin...
Category
1810s English Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Graphite on Paper Two Artist Studies of Hands and Extended Foot
Located in San Francisco, CA
Graphite on paper: two artist studies of hands and extended foot; each ell-rendered artist's study depicting grasping hands and a foreshortened foot; very nicely detailed; unsigned; ...
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Trio of English William Hamilton Neoclassical Engravings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting trio of English Sir William Hamilton Greco-Roman neoclassical hand-colored engravings set of images made in the Grand Tour style. Hamilton was a British ambassador to the...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper, Glass
Drawing Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Pillement
By Jean-Baptiste Pillement
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Two-faced drawing.
Studies of characters and harbor scene.
With an inscription stating it is from the sketchbook in the collection of Dr. Manuel de Espirito Santo in Lisbon.
Ink a...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Early 19th Century Architectural Prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three gorgeous early 19th century architectural prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque (1764-1846).
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Architectural Etching, Diverses Sciences & l’Architecture
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Architectural Print
Total of 6 available
2 horizontal & 4 vertical prints
Dimensions :
Frame: 16” W x 20.25” H x 1” D
Etching: 9.5” W x 13.75...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Architectural Etching, Gaines 'Columns'
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Architectural print
Total of 6 available
2 horizontal & 4 vertical prints
Dimensions:
Frame: 16” W x 20.25” H x 1” D
Etching: 9.5” W x 13.75” H.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Architectural Etching, Gaines 'Columns'
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Architectural print
Total of 6 available
2 horizontal & 4 vertical prints
Dimensions:
Frame: 16” W x 20.25” H x 1” D
Etching: 9.5” W x 13.75” H.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
John Joseph Owens Model Nude Figural Study, Torso, 1909, Charcoal and Ink, Paper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Owens, John Joseph (American/West Virginia 1887-1931), Model Portrait Study, signed and dated 1909, charcoal on laid paper and pen and ink, about 21 x 17 inches. Provenance: artist's...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
4 Etchings by WG Beal, Marblehead, Rock Port, Folly Point & Annisquam, 1880's MA
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Set of four etchings by American artist William Goodrich Beal, circa 1880s. Scenic Massachusetts coastal towns and beaches. All signed in pencil, lower right corner.
American Arti...
Category
1880s American Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Large Framed Equine Horse Portrait Drawing of Horses in Brown Pencil Pastel
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A framed illustration of horses. This piece would be a fabulous addition to a hunting lodge or ranch home. A grouping of three horses is depicted wearing bridles. Each horse has a de...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Large 18th Century Red Chalk Drawing of Ruins after Hubert Robert
By Hubert Robert
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Rome.
Red chalk on paper.
Provenance: H. Shickman Gallery, New York (D1311). Label verso where given to Hubert Robert.
This sumptuous drawing is a ...
Category
1760s French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Pair of English William Hamilton Greco-Roman Engravings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
19th century pair of English Sir William Hamilton Greco-Roman neoclassical hand-colored engravings. Head of a woman profile made in the Grand Tour style. Hamilton was British Ambassa...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper, Wood, Glass
Rare 18th Century Erotic Scene Drawing, Attributed to Tobias Sergel
By Tobias Sergel
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Rare 18th century Old master drawing of an explicit erotic scene of an couple having oral sex. Brown ink on paper with watermark, over pre-studies in black ch...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Drawing, 18th Century French School, the Sedan Chair
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Two men with a cab or the Sedan chair, in the style of Touzé.
Bears collector's stamp (possibly the eye-form mark of Nathaniel Hone) and inscribed indi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Academic Pencil Drawing of Pensive Woman, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Academic manner pencil drawing on paper of a seated pensive woman. The drawing is left unsigned. The piece is framed in a partially gilt frame with ornamented border. In great vintag...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Portraits Pair Danish 19th Century, Denmark Mahogany Frame
Located in New York, NY
Portraits pair Danish early 19th century, Denmark mahogany Frame. A pair of portraits of Queen Frederikke and King Christian VIII. In original mahogany frames.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Jens Adolf Jerichau, Antique Pencil Drawing on Paper, Angel, Dated 1852
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Jens Adolf Jerichau (1816-1883 in Neder Dråby ved Jægerspris).
Antique pencil drawing on paper. Angel. Frieze after Thorvaldsen. Dated 1852.
The ...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Fine Large Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century French Academic Drawing
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine drawing while unsigned is an excellent example of sketch work done in sanguine as preparatory work for large finished paintings. Created in France during the days of artist...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Pair of Neoclassical Landscape Drawings, French School, Late 18th Century
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Depicting a pastoral scene and a hillside view.
Ink on paper.
One is signed Waudelaincourt fecit
Antoine Hubert Wandelaincourt, French (1731-1819).
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Interior Bedroom Scene Original Watercolor, Ink and Gouache Drawing, Spain 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish classical bedroom indoor home scene. Original watercolor, ink and gouache drawing on vellum paper, Project for a home decoration. Cabinet maker archives stamp at the bottom p...
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Other
Interior Bedroom Scene Original Watercolor, Ink and Gouache Drawing Spain, 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish neoclassical style bedroom indoor home scene. Original watercolor, ink and gouache drawing on vellum paper, project for a home decoration. Cabinet maker archives stamp bottom...
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Other
18th Century French or Swiss Military Watercolor, Signed and Dated
Located in Stamford, CT
Very interesting drawing of two soldiers in uniform one most likely French holding a rifle with bayonet and the other, Swiss, dressed in a fancy red outfit with codpiece and odd hat holding a menacing looking mace. Behind them on either side are burning castles...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Two Putti's in Flight Attributed to Francois Boucher
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Two Putti's in Flight Attributed to Francois Boucher (Paris 1703-1770), Black chalk and stamping, with red and white chalk on buff paper. Bears signature in pen and brown ink: F.Bouc...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Early 19th Century Architectural Prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three gorgeous early 19th century architectural prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque (1764 — 1846).
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paper, Wood
Original French Architectural Watercolor
Located in Pembroke, MA
An original French pen and ink and watercolored drawing of a "Module Egypto-Grec", in the Beaux Arts style (circa 1850). The watercolored drawing has been recently matted and framed ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Paint, Paper
Copper Plate Engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of etchings of views of a Greek ceremonial klismos chair.
In his fifties, G.B. Piranesi was interested in archaeology and studied in Southern Ita...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Wood, Paper
"Theves, Karach" Egyptian Spinx Print
Located in New York, NY
19th Cent print of various views of an Egyptian sphinx "Theves, Karach" in an ebonized and gilt frame
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Drawings
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Neoclassical drawings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical drawings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage drawings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical drawings 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 drawings, popular names associated with this style include Louis-Pierre Baltard, Sir William Hamilton, Auguste Edouart, and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. 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 drawings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $19,500 while the average work can sell for $1,500.
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