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Neoclassical Period Collection

Neoclassical Furniture (FRANCE AND UNITED KINGDOM, CA. 1750)
Neoclassical Furniture (FRANCE AND UNITED KINGDOM, CA. 1750)

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. 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. As you can see from the furniture shown on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep Neoclassicism fresh.

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Russian Neoclassical Crystal Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally rare, Russian Neoclassical chandelier is the epitome of early 19th century luxury and style. Crafted in Saint Peters...
Category

19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique English Early 19th Century Wedgwood Chandelier
By Josiah Wedgwood
Located in London, by appointment only
A rare early 19th century Regency period English chandelier, the body of Wedgwood jasperware mounted with elaborate gilt ormolu metal work issuing five electrified candle arms and hu...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of "Old Paris" Vases with Garlands of Bisquit Flowers
Located in New York, NY
French, circa 1820. Porcelain, painted and gilded, with applied bisquit flowers 8 13/16 in. high. Inscribed (with incised mark, under the base of each): 3.   
Category

1820s French Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

French Porcelain Vase, Locre, circa 1815
Located in New York, NY
French porcelain vase, Locre, circa 1815.
Category

1810s French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Wedgwood Figural Candlesticks of Pomona and Ceres, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Wedgwood figural candlesticks of Pomona and Ceres, 19th century.
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Pair of 18th/19th Century Neoclassical Carved Giltwood Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of exquisite Neoclassical carved giltwood sconces, each having draped female figure with wings holding torch in each arm and one on her head, serving as the three candlearms, e...
Category

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood

Pier Mirror in the Neoclassical Taste
Located in New York, NY
New York, circa 1815-1820. Wood, gessoed and gilded, with mirror plate. 75 1/2 in. high, 44 1/8 in. wide (at the cornice), 8 1/2 in. deep (at the cornice). Condition: Some restorati...
Category

19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood, Mirror

Italian Porcelain Vase, Doccia, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Italian porcelain vase, Doccia, circa 1810.
Category

1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

English Porcelain Vase, Chamberlain Worcester, circa 1820
By Chamberlains Worcester
Located in New York, NY
English porcelain vase, Chamberlain Worcester, circa 1820.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

Wedgwood Black and Gilt Basalt Covered Potpourri Vase, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
A wedgwood black and gilt basalt covered Potpourri vase, circa 1870.
Category

1870s English Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

English Silver Gilt and Engraved Amphora-Form Vase
Located in New York, NY
London, 1869, Maker: S Smith.
Category

1860s English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Silver

17th Century Flemish Tapestry after Peter Paul Rubens
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent Flemish tapestry after the renown painting of Peter Paul Ruben's "Decius Mus preparing for Death," 1616-1617. Upon hearing his fate pronounced by the High Priest of Rome, Decius Mus receives his last rites...
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Tapestry

Wedgwood Rosso-Antico Vase, circa 1790
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Wedgwood Rosso-Antico Vase, Circa 1790
Category

1790s Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Ceramic

Superb Louis XVI Commode, Stamped "J. Manser", France c. 1770
By Jacques Manser
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine Louis XVI period Commode, with intricate inlaid designs of exotic wood, and stamped inside one upper drawer "J MANSER" & "JME". French in origin, and dating from the thir...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Louis XVI design Fautueil constructed in Walnut, Italy c. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Louis XVI period Fauteuil, with Neoclassical carved designs throughout the exposed Walnut frame. Dating from the fourth quarter of the 1700s, and Italian in origin. The ov...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

18th Century Breccia Marble Column Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
18th century Breccia marble column pedestal. With a white marble capital above an entastic column, resting on a square pedestal with a cavetto e...
Category

1780s Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Breccia Marble

French Empire Gilt Silver Epergne, c1805
Located in valatie, NY
This beautiful French early 19th century gilt sterling silver epergne is decorated with classical female figures, cherubs, dragon flies, and Egyptian heads, it stands on hoofed feet....
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Silver

William IV Walnut Circular Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Important William IV period circular table. The burl walnut top extensively inlaid with intricate marquetry, resting on a circular base fitted with an upholstered footrest.
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Period Empire Bronze Neoclassical Urns
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully decorated Empire bronze urns.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Bronze

Pair of “Old Paris” Porcelain Coolers, Yellow Bands, Floral Wreaths
By Darte Frères
Located in New York, NY
Darte Frères, Paris, made, circa 1820. Porcelain, partially painted and gilded. Measures: 14 1/4 in. high, 10 3/8 in. wide (through the handles), 7 3/4 in. deep. Signed (with stencil, in black, on the bottom of each): Darte. f. Recorded: cf. Régine de Plinval de Guillebon, Porcelain of Paris, 1770–1850 (New York: Walker and Company, 1972), p. 333 no. 79 illustrates the mark on these coolers. Some of the most beautiful porcelain produced in Paris during the Empire/Restauration periods was made or sold by the firm of Darte Frères. Although the Darte family, which came from Namur, then in The Netherlands, had set themselves up in the business of the manufacture of porcelain as early as 1794–95, by 1803 the three Darte brothers had decided, as Régine de Plinval de Guillebon notes (ibid., p. 231), that “each should have his own establishment,” and, indeed, by 1804 their prior business partnership had been “annulled,” and from that point forward there were two businesses using the name Darte. The Darte brothers, Louis Joseph and Jean François, began independent operation in 1804 at the Hôtel Montalembert, at 90, rue de la Roquette. Their business arrangements were only formalized in 1808, at which time they began to use the name “Darte Frères.” They remained in the business until 1825, when their partnership was dissolved. Darte Frères produced a large variety of porcelain, including vast dinner and...
Category

19th Century Empire Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Louis XVI Paris Porcelain Urns with Landscapes, circa 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of Paris porcelain vases on pedestal bases, featuring landscape scenes within acid-etched gilt borders. The body of each vase with a green ground, above and below with gi...
Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Paint, Porcelain

Regency Lantern
Located in New York, NY
English Regency lantern, circa 1800. Glass, blown, with gilt-brass fittings 27 in. high, 13 1/4 in. greatest diameter. In a market that is overwhelmed with reproduction lanterns of ...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Brass

1820s English Mahogany Partner's Desk with Greek Key Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th-century English mahogany partner's desk. A tooled gilt Greek key pattern borders the molded black leather top, and on either side, two sets of four stacked drawers and one...
Category

19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of English Gilt and Marble Corner Consoles
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of English gilt carved wood and marble top corner consoles with floral and fluted leg motif. Original marble tops.
Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Tulipwood and Amaranth Bureau Plat
By Philippe Claude Montigny
Located in Kittery Point, ME
In the style of Montigny (Philippe-Claude Montigny, mai^tre in 1770), the rectangular tooled leather-lined top surrounded with a later ormolu border, above two frieze drawers and sim...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Bronze

Painted Folk Art Four-Panel Floor Screen
Located in Troy, NY
A very unique charmingly decorative double sided screen, painted oil on canvas, seemingly an oversized idea of the sketchbook or travelogue. One si...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Country Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Canvas

French 18th Century Transitional Marquetry Commode
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Louis XV-XVI transitional period commode with lovely marquetry in satinwood, rosewood and tulipwood, Gris Sainte Anne marble top and three drawers. The commode features a cent...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Marble

Russian Cut-Glass Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Russian chandelier is distinguished by its exceptional rarity. The entirety of this important Neoclassical fixture is covered with a myriad of intricately cut glass lusters, all...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Bronze

Sheffield Silver Plate Wire and Bristol Glass Epergne Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
This English Sheffield plate wire-work epergne is distinguished by gracefully scrolled supports, which branch from a round footed base and suspend six baskets, with a large central basket at the top. Each of the baskets is shaped to hold a boat-shaped blue Bristol glass...
Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Sheffield Plate

A Fine & Rare Pair of Stools by Jean Baptiste Lelarge III, 18th Century
By Jean Baptiste Lelarge III
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine & Rare Pair of Louis XVI Painted & Giltwood Stools Stamped Lelarge 18th Century Jean Baptiste Lelarge III Maitre 1775 Height of back 24 in. Height of seat ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

American Neoclassical Cypress Figural Mantel " Dance Design " R. Wellford C 1790
By Wellford
Located in Hollywood, SC
Charleston / Philadelphia Cypress and White Pine Neoclassical mantel piece with a central carved gesso panel of dancing figural ladies, floral swags, floral urns, musical instruments...
Category

1790s American Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Composition

Set of 16 Klismos-Form Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1820. Mahogany (secondary woods: Birch and maple; slip seats: Birch and pine) Measures: 33 1/4 in. high, 18 5/8 in. wide, 19 ¼ in. deep (overall). Ex Coll: Private collection, until 2004; to [Hirschl & Adler Galleries, 2004]; to private collection, 2004 until the present. Exhibited: Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 1999–2000, Boston in the Age of Neoclassicism, 1810–1840, p. 57 no. 21D illus. in color // Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 2001–2002, of the Newest Fashion: Masterpieces of American neoclassical Decorative Arts, pp. 93 cat. 26, 95 illus. in color two chairs from the set / Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 2014-2015, very rich and handsome, p. 30 no. 5 illus. in color two chairs from the set. One of the signature forms of furniture of the neoclassical period in the United States is the klismos chair as interpreted by a group of Boston cabinetmakers in the period circa 1820 (see Page Talbott, “Seating Furniture in Boston, 1810–1835,” The Magazine Antiques CXXXIX [May 1991], pp. 966ff.). These chairs are usually characterized by sabre legs at the front and the back and curved crest rails typically enriched with flaming mahogany veneers, their ends often punctuated by stylized leaves, anthemia, or scrolls, and center splats decorated with leaves, drapery, lyres, etc. Just as it is easy to identify a New York or Philadelphia side, or dining, chair of the period, so Boston chairs have a certain “look” that sets them apart from chairs from all other American cabinetmaking centers in this period. The sumptuous nature of the lotus bud and tulip-carved swags which form the back splats of these chairs is offset by the simplicity of the crest rail, in which oval veneered panels are encircled by a raised molding, and by the reeded stiles which seamlessly sweep down to become first the side-rails and then the front legs of the chairs. Although the form of these chairs relates them to many comparable Boston examples of the period, none of these other chairs feature the paw feet that terminate the front legs of the present set of chairs, a feature that appears to be otherwise unknown on Boston side chairs...
Category

19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Mahogany

Louis XVI Painted and Gilt Decorated Tole Cachepot, c1780
Located in valatie, NY
Louis XVI painted and gilt decorated tole cachepot, c1780, decorated in polychrome with a Watteauesque or Angelica Kauffman Neoclassical scene of figures and putti in a landscape...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Gold Leaf, Tin

Louis XVI Period Painted Console with Marble Top, France, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI Period white painted console table with carved pierced frieze and rectangular black marble top, originating in France during the late 1700s. The rectangular marble top...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood

Pair of English Sheffield Foliage Engraved Wine Coolers, Late 18th Century
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of English Sheffield wine coolers with hand chased foliage motif and the original interior tin liners. Late 18th Century
Category

1780s English George III Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Copper, Silver

Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary game table from the Directoire period made in France. Frame made of mahogany in a beautiful cognac brown shade. Apron divided into rectangular parts of brass and bra...
Category

Early 19th Century French Directoire Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Brass

Russian Empire Secretaire
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Russian Empire Secretaire made of solid birch blond-wood and veneer. Elegant and compact design with weight bearing dolphins and arrows. Lower section ...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

French Directoire Period Bergere
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Directoire period blue-gray painted bergere, newly-upholstered in lovely blue and gold toile fabric based on a museum-archived pattern....
Category

Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Large Neoclassical Drawing by Edouard Pingret, French School
By Edouard Pingret
Located in Kittery Point, ME
River Scene, "Les Bords du Cher à Poitiers"
Signed bottom right and situated bottom left.
Edouard Henri Theophile Pingret (Saint Quentin 178...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Pencil

Pair of Consulat Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular arched padded back above a padded seat and tapering front legs topped with the head of a sphinx and ending in paw feet.
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Mahogany

Rare Louis XVI Period Enamel and Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare Louis XVI period enamel and gilt bronze clock on a black marble base.
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Bronze

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantel clock in gilt bronze. Neoclassical symbols such Cup...
Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Ormolu

A Very Large George III Five Pedestal Dining Table, c1780
Located in valatie, NY
A rare and important George III five pedestal dining table c1780, with four leaves. The rounded rectangular top of superb timber with reeded...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Mahogany

A Pair of Neoclassical Bronze Dore Candelabra Att. to Thomire
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine Pair of Neoclassical Bronze Dore Candelabra With the Mythological Figures of Flora & Zephyr Now mounted as Bouillotte Lamps Early 19th Century Attributed to Thomire...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Mahogany Console
Located in New York, NY
Long mahogany console table with rouge Violette Italian marble top. Features inlaid table apron with brass Greek key pattern, hidden drawer and ring...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Pair of Russian Gilt Figural and Ebonized Marble Top Pedestals, Circa 1790
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Russian Gilt figural and ebonized marble top pedestals terminating on tripod winged hoof feet. Late 18th Century
Category

1790s Russian Directoire Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Italian Carved Wood Hand Painted and Gilt Garden Planters, Circa 1870
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian carved wood hand painted and gilt garden planters with decorated egg dart borders, acanthus leaf motif, and terminating on scrolled legs...
Category

1870s Italian Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Four-Panel Painted Neoclassical French Screen
Located in Sheffield, MA
Each panel decorated with a landscape. Each panel is H.69 in. by 22 in.
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

18th Century Pearlware Tea Set with Swan Finial
By Wedgwood
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This 18th century rare and complete tea service for six is finely and simply decorated in the style of the period. The creamy white paste is hand-painted with black enamel decoration...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

Very Rare 18th Century Maggiolini Desk
By Giuseppe Maggiolini
Located in Montreal, QC
Very rare 18th century Italian neoclassical desk attributed to the workshop of Giuseppe Maggiolini. The piece is composed of extensive inlay ...
Category

1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Walnut

Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt bronze decorated with neoclassical symbols ...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XVI Period Barometer
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very charming carved and gilded acanthus leaf framed Louis XVI period wall barometer with glass covered central dial and glass thermostat beneath; bot...
Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Louis XVI Period Giltwood Mirror with Marie Antoinette
Located in Pembroke, MA
A charming French giltwood trumeau mirror with inset portrait of Marie Antoinette (period Louis XVI, circa 1790). The trumeau has a nicely-carved ribbon cartouche with laurel swags, ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Mercury Glass, Gesso, Wood, Gouache

Venetian Neoclassical late 18th century Painted Console Table
Located in Troy, NY
Exquisite painted Venetian console table in the typical neoclassical taste. For a similar example see: G. Morazzoni, "Il Mobile Veneziano del settecento" Tav. CXCI.
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI period Gilt & Painted Trumeau Mirror, France c. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Louis XVI period Trumeau Mirror, with cream-painted and gilt frame featuring raised Neoclassical designs, and with upper oil-on-canvas scene of children playing in a forest s...
Category

1790s French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Mirror

19th Century, English Giltwood Oval Mirror in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
A fine and substantial mirror in the Robert Adam manner. Primarily giltwood, and having an the elliptical mirror plate housed within a continuous band of stiff leaf moulding, encl...
Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

19th Century West Indies Jamaican Regency Mahogany Upholstered Recamier
Located in Charleston, SC
A Caribbean 19th century Jamaican Regency mahogany and upholstered recamier, circa 1830, featuring scroll arm and stylized carvings of lotus and folia...
Category

19th Century Jamaican Regency Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of French 19th Century Carrara Marble and Gilt Bronze Urns
By Eugene Bazart
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of urns in the Louis XVI Manner Signed by Eugene Bazart of Paris. Constructed of Carrara marble and finely cast, planished and gilt bronze; the waisted garland draped ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French Porcelain Vases Mounted as Lamps, circa 1910
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French porcelain vases mounted as lamps, circa 1910.
Category

1910s French Vintage Neoclassical Period Collection

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Framed Wedgwood Circular Plaques, circa 1875
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Pair of framed Wedgwood circular plaques, circa 1875.
Category

1870s English Antique Neoclassical Period Collection

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