Neoclassical Lighting
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
Pair of 1920's Caldwell Diamond Shape Mirror Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920 small Caldwell silver plated diamond shape sconces with mirrored backplate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique French Brass and Onyx Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of antique French brass and onyx table lamps, dating from around the 1930’s.
They are of superb quality and are a lovely size. They have fluted brass columns and si...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Onyx, Brass
1920s Caldwell Hand Painted Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with hand painted floral design and two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze One light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with one light
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Marbro Neoclassical Exotic Marble & Dore Bronze Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Marbro Exotic Marble & Dore Bronze Table Lamp
Additional information:
Materials: Bronze, Marble
Color: Amber
Brand: The Marbro Lamp Compa...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique Cast Iron Columns, Mounted as Exterior Street Lamps
By Powerlite Devices Ltd
Located in Montreal, QC
A pair of imposing antique cast iron columns mounted as street lamps. Each Doric pillar fluted and tapering from the square base to a slender...
Category
1890s Canadian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Iron
1920's Gilt Metal Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1020's gilt metal sconces with 2 lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
1920's Caldwell Gilt Bronze Double Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with 2 lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Large Sunburst Crystal Sconces with Three Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell three lights sconces with sunburst crystal shape backplate
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Silver Plated Sconces with 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated three lights sconces with cherubs atop.
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with Hazelnuts
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's silver plated double light Baroque style sconces with unusual hazelnuts design.
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900’s Caldwell Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Caldwell silver plated 8 lights chandelier very unusual floral design
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate
Pair of Vintage Painted Carved Wood Urn Shaped Lamps
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of Vintage Painted Carved Wood Urn Shaped Lamps. The hand carved urn shaped body sits atop a square plinth base. Ebonized detailing accents the lamps. Lamps are wired with a double cluster light...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wood, Paint
1920’s Neoclassical Style Caldwell Sconces with cameos
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell neoclassic style gilt bronze sconces with cameos and two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated sconces with wave design and two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated one light sconces.
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's English Silver Plated Cherub Sconces with 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's English silver plated bronze cherub shape sconces
Category
1920s English Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Small Double Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell small gilt bronze double light sconces, original gilding.
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silvered plated sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with Gilt Ditales
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated double light sconces with gilt details
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Small Double Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze double light sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920s Small American Classical Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's American silver plated sconces with mirror backplate and two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1900's Caldwell Mirrored Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique a pair of circa 1910's Caldwell gilt bronze sconces with mirrored backplate
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Urn Shaped Table Lamps Antique White with Bronze and Brass
Located in Miami, FL
Very decorative pair of white ceramic urn shaped table lamps. These stylish ceramic table lamps would enhance any side tables, night stands, credenza or consoles in a living room, di...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of 1900’s Caldwell Bronze Engraved Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900’s Caldwell chandeliers with engraving on body and arms, very unusual with 12 lights.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1940's Silver Plated One Light Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1940's one light sconces with mirrored backplate.
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900’s Caldwell Silver Plated Engraved Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900’s Caldwell silver plated bronze sconces with unusual engraving on back plate. From Waldorf Hotel in NYC. Available in bronze and silver plated
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930's Neoclassic Column Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's neoclassic column shape bronze table lamps. In very good condition.
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique Russian Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Large Unique Antique Russian Neoclassical gilt bronze, crystal and blue glass chandelier of fine craftsmanship embellished with cut crystal prisms, crystal chains and a central blue cobalt glass dish...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell double light sconces with scrolled arms
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Gilt Bronze Sunburst Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’ gilt bronze sconces sunburst backplate with two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu And Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and unique French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and crystal chandelier. The five arm, ten light chandelier is centered by three stunning tiers of prism shap...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell one light sconces with scalloped backplate
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Silver Plate
1920’s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces with Grapes design
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s silver plated Caldwell sconces with grapes on plate and cups
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
1920's Silver plated Caldwell Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell silver plated chandelier with 8 lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Nickel, Bronze
André Arbus pair of Sconces
By André Arbus
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional pairs of Arbus bronze sconces , hands holding a torch. Size of the back plate 3.5" H 2" W. Wattage 60 bulb. Priced by pair. 60w each.
Priced by pair.
US wired and in wor...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Brass
1920s Silver Plated Small Sconces With Cherubs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell small sconces with cherubs on backplate and two arms
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Polychrome Wall Sconces by Sterling Bronze Co.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An impressive pair of Large Three Arm Gilt Bronze Sconces with Crystal Bobeches. Backplate features a gilt bronze basket with a variety of polychrome fruit. Scones were originally di...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Italian Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th Century Italian gilt bronze and silvered metal candle sticks converted into table lamps
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1900’s Caldwell Neoclassical Silver Plated Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell neoclassic style silver plated chandelier with 6 lights
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1930's Silver Plated Sconces with Etched Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's silvered plated sconces with etched mirrored backplate.
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930s Art Nouveau Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier lustre Brass Glass
Located in Berlin, DE
For sale is a stunning antique chandelier that has been professionally restored in Berlin. The chandelier has been meticulously re-wired and is now ready to be hung. Not a single cry...
Category
1930s European Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1920's Caldwell Neoclassic Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell gilt bronze neoclassical sconces with two lights
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Caldwell Lantern with White Etched Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920's Caldwell neoclassic style lantern with original white etched glass inset
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920’s Caldwell Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with original gilding
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1900's Caldwell Silver Plated One light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Caldwell silver plated one light sconces
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1900s Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900 silver plated Caldwell sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1900's Caldwell Bronze Cherub and Dolphins Single Sconce with 4 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900’s Caldwell gilt bronze single sconce with cherub on a dolphin holding 3 lights on shells and one light on top shell. Large size and impressive details.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1950s Rock Crystal Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A piar of rock crystal table lamps with gilt metal fittings.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Rock Crystal, Metal
1920's Caldwell Brown Patina Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell brown patinated bronze double light sconces
Category
1910s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Caldwell Silver Plated One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1920 silver plated one light sconces
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920s Caldwell Bronze Brown Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell sconces with brown patina.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1920's Silver English Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A 1920’s English silver plated lantern with interior lights
Category
1920s British Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
1920s Caldwell Silver plated bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920s Caldwell silver plated bronze sconces with two arms
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Gilt Bronze & Crystal Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Superb Gilt Bronze & Crystal Pendant featuring crystal "plumes", graduated chains of hand cut octagons and prisms. Impressive Size.
France, circa 1920. 8 lights.
Dimensions: Heig...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
2 Maitland Smith Silver Neoclassical Delphin Koi Fish Table Banquet Lamps 32"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare vintage Maitland Smith table lamps, made of heavy cast metal with a bright silver finish, showing a Neoclassical style pedestal like ...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
1930's Pagoda Shape Bronze Black and Gold Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's gilt bronze pagoda style double light sconces with scrolled arms.
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical lighting 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 lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Workstead, Maison Baguès, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $240,000 while the average work can sell for $3,427.
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