Basalt Ewers
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage 1980s English Neoclassical Pottery
Stoneware
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Table Lamps
Stone
Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery
Stoneware
Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Porcelain
Bronze
Antique 1840s British Neoclassical Vases
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Stoneware
Antique 1840s British Neoclassical Jars
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Vases
Stoneware
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Decorative Bowls
Stoneware
Antique Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Urns
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Urns
Stoneware
Antique 19th Century Porcelain
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Antique 19th Century English Adam Style Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Sterling Silver
Silver
Early 20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Coral
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Urns
Metal, Iron
Antique 18th Century George III Sheffield and Silverplate
Sheffield Plate
20th Century Models and Miniatures
Early 20th Century French Vases
Antique 19th Century Italian Architectural Elements
Tin
Mid-20th Century European Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture
Teak
Antique Mid-19th Century French Floor Lamps
Bronze
Antique 1890s English Neoclassical Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Rocking Chairs
Silver Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Mantel Clocks
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Brass, Silver, Vermeil
A Close Look at Neoclassical Furniture
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.
Read More
What Is Ormolu, and Why Are We Talking about It?
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
New York’s Hirschl & Adler Showcases the American Workmanship and Design Panache of Neoclassical Treasures
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Susanna Salk’s Favorite Designers Show Us How to Play with Patterns
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
6 Creative Ways to Decorate with Sculpture Busts
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.