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Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

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
Period: 19th Century
Pair of Large 19th Century Cast Iron Finials
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of large (and heavy) cast iron finials for garden or home decoration. 19th century manufacture but have a certain modernist style.
Category

1880s American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Neoclassic Black and Green Marble Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
This extraordinary fireplace is made of Noir de Mazy marble, which is complemented by the luxurious green marble type Verde. Despite the clean lines, this is a very elegant piece. Th...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Marble Fountain Basin, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Round marble fountain basin on conical shaft and square plinth and discreet leaf frieze on the tulip-shaped wall.
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Antique German Neoclassical Period Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 18th or early 19th century German neoclassical period fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. It is in a good condition and does not have...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Tall Pair of Marble Pedestals
Located in Newport Beach, CA
An impressive pair of tall marble pedestals atop Carrara marble bases.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Antique French 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century Neoclassical Style Brass Fender
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century heavy brass fender in the Neoclassical style with barley twist toprail and cast brass foliate panels with swag and acanthus leaf decoration, divided by simple baulistere...
Category

19th Century Irish Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

"Scagliola" Cherry Red Column, Late 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Important column in stucco marble called "Scagliola" in imitation of red Griotte and black marble from Italy. This column of Neoclassical style with a Doric capital has a fluted shaf...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Scagliola

19th Century Iron Fire Place Screen
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
19th century iron fire place screen Manufactured in France. In original condition, with wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautif...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century Pair of English Ormolu-Mounted Mahogany Pedestals by Trollope
By Trollope & Sons
Located in London, GB
A pair of Ormolu-mounted pedestals by Trollope & Sons Constructed using rich mahogany, the pair of pedestals of square cross section on plinth supports, of slight taper form with...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French 'Neptune' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French neoclassical Neptune fireback. God of water and the sea, as well as god of horses and horse-racing. As god of the sea, he is sometimes an enormous, blunt and prou...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

True Pair of Continental 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Solid Mahogany Columns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and extremely decorative true pair of Continental 19th century Neo-Classical st. solid Mahogany and faux painted marble pedestal columns of telemons holding cushions. Each...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

French Neoclassical Period Fireback / Backsplash, 18th - 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars surrounded by wine tendrils. The 'pillars of freedom' symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the Fr...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th -19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Gilt Bronze Fireplace Surround Fender
Located in London, GB
This elegant gilt bronze (ormolu) fireplace fender was created in France in the late 19th century. The item will add splendour and beauty to a fireplace, making it the focal point of a room. The fender features a pierced rail which is decorated with a central cartouche, flanked by stylized acanthus leaves. The ends of the fender are topped by full-length, semi-nude figures. These include a beautiful young woman and a bearded male, holding a blacksmith’s hammer. The latter can be identified as Hephaestus (or Vulcan), the classical god...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Neoclassical Style Bronze Fireplace Fender Set, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Neoclassical style bronze fireplace fender set, late 19th century, sold as a set of 3. This impressive French Neoclassical style bronze fender set d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Antique French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French neoclassical period fireback. The pillars symbolize freedom, one of the three values of the French Revolution. The date of production, 1840, is also cast in the f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th-19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The firebac...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Terracotta Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Antique Terracotta Garden Armillary Sundial. This antique sundial made by Blanchard (stamped) is something to be admired with its sheer scale. The T...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Antique French Stand for a Roasting Jack, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical period stand for a roasting jack. The stand is hand forged and made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French, Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French Neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The firebac...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Neoclassical Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th century French neoclassical fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century Italian pink marble pedestals
Located in London, GB
This beautiful pair of pedestals are crafted in a dark, vermillion veined marble and a lighter, coral pink veined marble. Each pedestal features a thin, surmounting sheet of white ma...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

English Serpentine Fire Grate
Located in London, GB
A beautifully proportioned polished steel English serpentine fire grate. The openwork fret with dragon detail is set between Roman Doric column legs on plinth feet, surmounted by urn finials. Shaped arched fire...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pair of Large 19th Century Cast Iron Finials for Out Door Garden Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of large cast iron nineteenth century finials. Excellent as garden decoration.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Weathered Carved Stone Garden Planter Jardinière
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique "Chambord" planter on your patio for a timeless flower display. Crafted circa 1880, the large, sturdy stone jardinière was found in Paris, France. The jard...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

19th Century Grain Painted Paneled Wood Door
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous grain painted door from the mid-19th century. Painted to resemble tiger oak with its quarter sawn beauty. Painted on both sides however one side on the bottom third of the door has worn off. Rest of the grain paint is fine with normal chips and scuffs but no flaking paint.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Classical Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical brass fireplace fender having a decorative frieze depicting warriors in silhouette, fluted rail and post corners. We believe the width has been altered to make it a bit sho...
Category

19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Sculpture Display Pedestal Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique neoclassical sculpture pedestal offers carved alabaster construction clipped corner display over rope twist flared column with beaded banding, raised on stepped base with ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Alabaster

Bronze Planter of Boy Holding Urn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze life sized statue of boy holding urn. There is a hole at the bottom that may be used as a water drain when being used as a garden planter. There i...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century American Plaster Shell Niche or Door Caps
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking pair of 19th century American plaster shell-form niche or door caps. These architectural fragments were originally mounted above niches or doors, and completed the classic...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

19 Century Square Tapering Grey Marble Column with Bronze Trim
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19 century tapering square column made of a white flourite marble called 'Lilac'. It is heavily veined in brown and black on a white background with touches of light red/lilac...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Important Set of Four Large Porphyry Obelisks
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An important set of four large Porphyry Obelisks. Each obelisk is of square section tapering form with a spiked orb finial and embellished with carved roundels of the twelve Roman Emperors in profile. The main body is raised on ball supports putdown on square sectioned plinth bases. Each obelisk is carved with three Emperors profile...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porphyry

Sculpture of Flora, Italy, circa 1880
Located in Greding, DE
Plaster sculpture of flora after a classical original with windswept skirt and pinned up curly hair.
Category

1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Antique French Victorian Cast Iron Fluted Urn Garden Planter Pedestal, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Victorian cast iron fluted urn garden planter pedestal - a pair. Item features a cast iron construction, fluted urn forms, ornate cast iron pedestal bases, authentic w...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback /Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Neoclassical French Carrara Marble White Antique Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
This beautiful antique surround fireplace is made from luxurious Carrara marble. Richly inlaid with ornate details and a centerpiece where the characteristic “scallop” makes its entrance. Thanks to a wide, double profiled top, the contours of this fireplace are emphasized. The massive consoles...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Dutch Wrought Iron Blow Poker, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th-19th Century, Dutch neoclassical blow poker. The blow poke is made of wrought iron. It is in a good working condition.
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Firedogs Pair Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Italian
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Elegant pair of Neoclassical gilt bronze firedogs retaining traces of the original gilding Characteristic elaborate ornamentation with fine detailing ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th C.
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial
Located in Hanover, MA
Extraordinary architectural roof finial spire over 9 feet high constructed of hand beaten copper then finished in gold leaf. Looking for a statement piece? You've found it! Weighs under 75 pounds. Stands steady on its own. In two pieces: the top ~40 inches can be removed from the rest, for ease of transport. Unrestored. Finish is worn and distressed but the original natural patina is gorgeous. It may be possible to go over the gilding with something that will bring out its luster. We have only dusted it. The largest sphere has a couple of noticeable dents which I'm sure could be pulled out however we love it just the way it is. Found in the basement of an un-renovated 1850's brick townhouse atop Beacon Hill. We speculate the copper is from Paul Revere's own works. Unsigned apparently but some of the American companies who made finials, weathervanes, etc. were: J.W. Fiske Cushing & Sons, Westervelt, Mullins Thomas W. Jones Kenneth Lynch...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

Neoclassical Marble and Gilt Bronze Pedestals
Located in New Orleans, LA
A classic Neoclassical style sets apart this stately pair of colorfully-veined white marble pedestals. Taking the form of Corinthian columns with brilliant gilt bronze capitals, the impressive pieces can serve as display pedestals or as stunning sculptures...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th - 19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ma...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large French 19th Century Parcel Silver &Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Man & Woman
Located in New York City, NY
Important French 19th century multi figural bronze sculpture of a male and female, in a warm brown patina with unusual and rare parcel gilt and silver intricate decoration. Depicti...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of English Neoclassical Marble Relief’s
Located in New Haven, CT
An incredible find. These are a Pair of English Neo-Classical statuary marble reliefs, ca 1820. Depicted are a male and female winged Cupid on the b...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Statuary Marble, Carrara Marble

Antique French 'Cupid' Fireback / Backsplash, 18th-19th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
18th-19th Century French neoclassical period fireback with a cupid. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, no cracks. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Sculpture Pedestal, Rope Twist Form, 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique neoclassical sculpture pedestal offers carved alabaster construction with clipped corner display over rope twist column, raised on stepped base having octagonal foot, c189...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Alabaster

Italian Neoclassic-Style Metal Bathtub
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neoclassic-style (19th Century) sarcophagus form metal tub with rings on sides, rustic.  
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

American Early 19th Century Knife Blade Wrought Iron Andirons with Brass Finials
Located in Wells, ME
American hand wrought iron knife blade andirons with cast brass finials on a square brass platform. The scrolled legs end in penny feet, while the...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is made of ca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Elegant Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Jardiniere from France, Circa 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
At just over two feet long, this gilt bronze jardiniere was produced in France, circa 1850, at the end of the Neoclassical period. Neoclassical ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique French Neoclassical 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th Century French neoclassical fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The fireback is ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Iron Urns on Plinths
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century French Neoclassical style iron garden urns on plinths. These beautiful French cast iron campana garden urns, planters or jardi...
Category

1880s French Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Italian Terracotta Garden Wall Hanging with Central Ribbon Flower Basket, C 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian Terracotta garden wall hanging with central decorative ribbon flower basket flanked by a rake and shovel with an incised lambs tongue border. Mid...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wire

Neoclassical building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Brown Jordan, Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co., and Michael Taylor. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $89 and tops out at $402,592 while the average work can sell for $2,800.

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