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"The Summer" After Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark Probably 19th Century
"The Summer" After Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark Probably 19th Century

"The Summer" After Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark Probably 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Round biscuit porcelain plaque depicting summer after the Four Seasons cycle by Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

"Two Fates" Bronze Sculpture by Jean-Baptiste CléSinger, Barbedienne
"Two Fates" Bronze Sculpture by Jean-Baptiste CléSinger, Barbedienne

"Two Fates" Bronze Sculpture by Jean-Baptiste CléSinger, Barbedienne

By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, F. Barbedienne Foundry

Located in Shippensburg, PA

Thorvaldsen, a Danish neoclassical artist whose influence is clear in Clésinger's subjects, he also studied

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Romantic Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

"The Ages of Love" after Thorvaldsen, Denmark probably 19th Century
"The Ages of Love" after Thorvaldsen, Denmark probably 19th Century

"The Ages of Love" after Thorvaldsen, Denmark probably 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Biscuit porcelain plaque with relief depiction of "The Love Ages" after Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fluted Neoclassical Vase by Christian Schollert
Fluted Neoclassical Vase by Christian Schollert

Fluted Neoclassical Vase by Christian Schollert

By Christian Schollert

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A striking and finely rendered trumpet-form vase having fluted channels and a rich, milky robins-egg glaze with natural slip accents.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Kähler, Denmark, Svend Hammershoi, Glazed Stoneware Vase
Kähler, Denmark, Svend Hammershoi, Glazed Stoneware Vase

Kähler, Denmark, Svend Hammershoi, Glazed Stoneware Vase

Located in København, Copenhagen

Kähler, Denmark, Svend Hammershoi, glazed stoneware vase. In perfect condition. Beautiful yellow

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Neoclassical Vases

A Pair of Danish Klismos Chairs
A Pair of Danish Klismos Chairs

A Pair of Danish Klismos Chairs

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Danish walnut Klismos chair, Last Quarter 19th Century, of typical form with a curved

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Beech, Upholstery

Danish Fruitwood Inlaid Mahogany Mirror, circa 1910
Danish Fruitwood Inlaid Mahogany Mirror, circa 1910

Danish Fruitwood Inlaid Mahogany Mirror, circa 1910

Located in New York, NY

A Danish fruitwood inlaid mahogany mirror, circa 1910, with a flat and profiled frame inlaid with

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Wall Mirrors

Ipsen's Denmark, Jason After Thorvaldsen on Base, Unglazed Ceramic
Ipsen's Denmark, Jason After Thorvaldsen on Base, Unglazed Ceramic

Ipsen's Denmark, Jason After Thorvaldsen on Base, Unglazed Ceramic

Located in København, Copenhagen

Ipsen's Denmark, Jason after Thorvaldsen on base, unglazed ceramic / terracotta. Stamped P. Ipsen

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Busts

Danish Louis XVI Secretaire mahogany, by Harsdorff, circa 1780-1790
Danish Louis XVI Secretaire mahogany, by Harsdorff, circa 1780-1790

Danish Louis XVI Secretaire mahogany, by Harsdorff, circa 1780-1790

By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff

Located in Kastrup, DK

An elegant Danish Louis XVI gilded bronze mounted-mahogany secretaire, by C.F Harsdorff, Copenhagen

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Danish Neoclassical Secretaires

Danish Stained Oak and Upholstered Armchair, circa 1910-1920
Danish Stained Oak and Upholstered Armchair, circa 1910-1920

Danish Stained Oak and Upholstered Armchair, circa 1910-1920

Located in New York, NY

An interesting Danish armchair, circa 1910-1920s, with a channelled and reeded stained oak frame

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Revival Armchairs

Materials

Wood

P. Ipsen (1815-1860) Neoclassical Style Antique Terracotta Plaque
P. Ipsen (1815-1860) Neoclassical Style Antique Terracotta Plaque

P. Ipsen (1815-1860) Neoclassical Style Antique Terracotta Plaque

By Peter Ipsen

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

An antique late 19th century terracotta plaque by 19th century Danish artist Peter Ipsen (1815-1860

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Grand Tour Decorative Art

Materials

Terracotta

Iron Lock Box Safe Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80
Iron Lock Box Safe Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80

Iron Lock Box Safe Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80

Located in Round Top, TX

Impressive when seen in person, this iron lock box has incredible "presence" due to the faded painted borders, heavy iron handles and decorative medallion that hides the key hole. Th...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Iron

Set of 3 Bronze Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark
Set of 3 Bronze Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark

Set of 3 Bronze Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark

By Just Andersen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 3 Bronze Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark. Stamped on bottom.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Vases

Danish Giltwood and Painted Concave Sided Mirror, circa 1860s
Danish Giltwood and Painted Concave Sided Mirror, circa 1860s

Danish Giltwood and Painted Concave Sided Mirror, circa 1860s

Located in New York, NY

A Danish giltwood and painted mirror, circa 1860s, the concave frame with a gadrooned outer edge

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Neoclassical Revival Wall Mirrors

L. Hjorth, Denmark, Rare Figure of Half-Naked Woman in Black Terracotta
L. Hjorth, Denmark, Rare Figure of Half-Naked Woman in Black Terracotta

L. Hjorth, Denmark, Rare Figure of Half-Naked Woman in Black Terracotta

Located in København, Copenhagen

L. Hjorth, Denmark, rare figure of half-naked woman in black terracotta. Model number 595, circa

Category

Antique Early 1900s Danish Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Danish Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Vase, Mid-20th Century
Danish Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Vase, Mid-20th Century

Danish Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Vase, Mid-20th Century

Located in New York, NY

Danish Royal Copenhagen porcelain vase, orange and grey craquele design, circa mid-20th century

Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Revival Porcelain

Set of 2 Bronze Vases by Just Andersen, Denmark
Set of 2 Bronze Vases by Just Andersen, Denmark

Set of 2 Bronze Vases by Just Andersen, Denmark

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 2 Bronze Vases by Just Andersen, Denmark. Stamped on bottom.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Neoclassical Vases

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Danish Large Painted Commode with Bracket Base
19th Century Danish Large Painted Commode with Bracket Base

19th Century Danish Large Painted Commode with Bracket Base

Located in Wichita, KS

A large Danish commode from the 19th century, circa 1800. The commode is wearing blush colored

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Dr...

Materials

Brass

Colossal P. Ipsen, Denmark Rare Museum Quality Vase of Terracotta
Colossal P. Ipsen, Denmark Rare Museum Quality Vase of Terracotta

Colossal P. Ipsen, Denmark Rare Museum Quality Vase of Terracotta

Located in København, Copenhagen

Colossal P. Ipsen, Denmark rare museum quality vase of terracotta decorated with classical scenery

Category

Antique 1870s Danish Neoclassical Vases

Antique Iron Lock Box or Safe; Unique Side Table from Denmark, circa 1840
Antique Iron Lock Box or Safe; Unique Side Table from Denmark, circa 1840

Antique Iron Lock Box or Safe; Unique Side Table from Denmark, circa 1840

Located in Round Top, TX

Amazing when seen in person, this iron lock box has incredible "presence" due to the heavy iron handles, reinforced corners and impressive locking system. A messenger angel with tru...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Iron

Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Danish Armchairs
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Danish Armchairs

Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Danish Armchairs

Located in Crawley, GB

A unique pair of late 19th century Danish ebonized and parcel gilt showframe armchairs with tub

Category

Antique 1880s British Neoclassical Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Grand Tour Classical "Two Fates” Bronze by Auguste Clésinger & Barbedienne
Grand Tour Classical "Two Fates” Bronze by Auguste Clésinger & Barbedienne

Grand Tour Classical "Two Fates” Bronze by Auguste Clésinger & Barbedienne

By F. Barbedienne Foundry, Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger

Located in Shippensburg, PA

under scptor Thorvaldsen, a Danish neoclassical artist whose influence is clear in Clésinger's choice of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ceiling Light Designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1930s
Ceiling Light Designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1930s

Ceiling Light Designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1930s

By Poul Henningsen

Located in Stockholm, SE

Adjustable ceiling light designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1930s. Bronze

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Neoclassical Revival Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Danish Empire Ebonized and Embossed Leather Chair
Danish Empire Ebonized and Embossed Leather Chair

Danish Empire Ebonized and Embossed Leather Chair

Located in Long Island City, NY

A very handsome mid-19th century ebonized armchair from Denmark. The harmony of the neoclassical

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Danish Empire Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Danish Milk Glass and Brass Mounted Table Lamps, circa 1940s
Pair of Danish Milk Glass and Brass Mounted Table Lamps, circa 1940s

Pair of Danish Milk Glass and Brass Mounted Table Lamps, circa 1940s

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Danish milk glass and brass mounted table lamps, circa 1940s, each with a brass mounted

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Neoclassical Revival Table Lamps

Materials

Milk Glass

French Antique Bronze Bust after Jean-Baptiste Clésinger, F. Barbedienne
French Antique Bronze Bust after Jean-Baptiste Clésinger, F. Barbedienne

French Antique Bronze Bust after Jean-Baptiste Clésinger, F. Barbedienne

By F. Barbedienne Foundry, Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger

Located in Shippensburg, PA

sculptor George Philippe Clésinger. Later studying under sculptor Thorvaldsen, a Danish neoclassical

Category

Antique 19th Century French Romantic Busts

Materials

Bronze

Iron Safe Lock Box Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80
Iron Safe Lock Box Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80

Iron Safe Lock Box Side Table, Denmark circa 1860-80

Located in Round Top, TX

Impressive when seen in person, this iron lock box has incredible "presence" due to the heavy round iron handles and decorative medallion that hides the key hole. The top center has ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Neoclassical Decorative Boxes

Materials

Iron

19th C. Danish Pine Sleeping Bench W/Curves in All the Right Places
19th C. Danish Pine Sleeping Bench W/Curves in All the Right Places

19th C. Danish Pine Sleeping Bench W/Curves in All the Right Places

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

19th C. Danish pine sleeping bench with curves in all the right places is looking for a new home

Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Neoclassical Daybeds

Settee Sofa & Pair of Bergères in Mahogany w/ Satinwood Inlays, Denmark, c. 1900
Settee Sofa & Pair of Bergères in Mahogany w/ Satinwood Inlays, Denmark, c. 1900

Settee Sofa & Pair of Bergères in Mahogany w/ Satinwood Inlays, Denmark, c. 1900

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

square, front feet terminate on metal cups, Denmark, circa 1900. Measures: 56" wide x 31" deep x 40 1/2

Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Neoclassical Revival Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Set of  three  framed “Thorvaldsen” chargers
Set of  three  framed “Thorvaldsen” chargers

Set of three framed “Thorvaldsen” chargers

Located in Washington, DC

Set of 3 framed “Thorvaldsen” chargers. Two from the four seasons set; One from neoclassical set

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Decorative Art

Bing & Grondahl Blue Fluted Number 567, Eight Napkin Rings
Bing & Grondahl Blue Fluted Number 567, Eight Napkin Rings

Bing & Grondahl Blue Fluted Number 567, Eight Napkin Rings

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bing & Grondahl blue fluted number 567. Eight napkin rings. Measures: 5.5 cm. x 3.5 cm. In perfect condition, 1st. assortment.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Rare B&G / Bing & Grondahl Biscuit Figure after Thorvaldsen
Rare B&G / Bing & Grondahl Biscuit Figure after Thorvaldsen

Rare B&G / Bing & Grondahl Biscuit Figure after Thorvaldsen

Located in København, Copenhagen

Rare B&G / Bing & Grondahl biscuit figure after Thorvaldsen. In very good condition. Stamped B&G. Measures: 21 cm x 15 cm.

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. Measures: 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' Biscuit Platter after Thorvaldsen, 1870s-1880s
B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' Biscuit Platter after Thorvaldsen, 1870s-1880s

B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' Biscuit Platter after Thorvaldsen, 1870s-1880s

Located in København, Copenhagen

B&G (Bing & Grondahl) biscuit platter after Thorvaldsen, 1870s-1880s. In perfect condition, 1st. factory quality. Measures: 32.5 cm.

Category

Antique 1870s Danish Neoclassical Ceramics

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. Measures: 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Bing & Grondahl, B&G Blue Fluted, Six Dinner Plates
Bing & Grondahl, B&G Blue Fluted, Six Dinner Plates

Bing & Grondahl, B&G Blue Fluted, Six Dinner Plates

Located in København, Copenhagen

Bing & Grondahl, B&G blue fluted, six dinner plates. Measures: 24.5 cm. Number 325. 2nd. Factory quality, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. Measures: 23 cm. in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica lunch plate number 20/3550. Measure: 22.5 cm. in diameter. 1st. factory, in perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Large Deep Pierced Plate # 20/3547
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Large Deep Pierced Plate # 20/3547

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Large Deep Pierced Plate # 20/3547

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica large deep pierced plate # 20/3547. Measures: 24 cm in diameter, 5 cm. deep. 1st. assortment, perfect condition.

Category

Antique 1890s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Salad Plate # 20/3573
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Salad Plate # 20/3573

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Salad Plate # 20/3573

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica salad plate # 20/3573. Measures: 19.5 cm. First factory quality, perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Sugar Bowl # 20/3502
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Sugar Bowl # 20/3502

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Sugar Bowl # 20/3502

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica sugar bowl # 20/3502. Measures 11 cm. x 4.5 cm. 1.factory quality, in perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Lunch Plate Number 20/3550

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica lunch plate Number 20/3550. Measures: 22.5 cm. in diameter. 1st. factory, in perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Openwork Plate # 20/3554

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica openwork plate # 20/3554. Measures: 23 cm in diameter. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Dessert Plate # 20/3551
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Dessert Plate # 20/3551

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Dessert Plate # 20/3551

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica dessert plate # 20/3551. Measures: 17 cm. In perfect condition. 1st. factory quality.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

Rare Large Antique Royal Copenhagen Figure /Disciple /Apostle after Thorvaldsen
Rare Large Antique Royal Copenhagen Figure /Disciple /Apostle after Thorvaldsen

Rare Large Antique Royal Copenhagen Figure /Disciple /Apostle after Thorvaldsen

Located in København, Copenhagen

Rare large antique Royal Copenhagen figure / disciple / apostle after Thorvaldsen. 1860-1880. Appears in very good condition. 1st factory quality. Stamped. Measures: Height 32 cm,...

Category

Antique 1860s Danish Neoclassical Ceramics

Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Porcelain Large Wine Cooler
Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Porcelain Large Wine Cooler

Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Porcelain Large Wine Cooler

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" porcelain large wine cooler decorated in colors and gold with flowers. Number 20/3569. Measures: height 17 cm, diameter 27 cm inches the handles. 1...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

17 Pieces, Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Side Plate # 182
17 Pieces, Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Side Plate # 182

17 Pieces, Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Side Plate # 182

Located in København, Copenhagen

17 pieces. Royal Copenhagen blue fluted plain side plate # 182. Measures 14 cm. 1st. factory quality. In perfect condition.

Category

20th Century Danish Neoclassical Porcelain

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Danish Neoclassical For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the Danish neoclassical you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of ceramic, porcelain and wood, every Danish neoclassical was constructed with great care. Find 1222 options for an antique or vintage Danish neoclassical now, or shop our selection of 9 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without a Danish neoclassical — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A Danish neoclassical is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Neoclassical, Scandinavian Modern and Empire styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one Danish neoclassical that is appealing in its simplicity, but Royal Copenhagen, Bing & Grøndahl and Georg Jensen produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Danish Neoclassical?

Prices for a Danish neoclassical start at $22 and top out at $104,033 with the average selling for $1,100.

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.