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.
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Late 20th Century Measures: 11.25"W x 11.25"D x 3.5"H Very good vintage condition w...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "I only count life's sunny hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial featuring a horse and a poem reading, "Serene I stand among the flowers and only count life’s sunny hours. For me dark days do not exist. A bra...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial with Zodiac Signs
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial featuring the 12 zodiac signs USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 9.25"W x 9.25"D x 4.75"H Very good vintage condition with patina th...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Late 20th Century Measures: 11.5"W x 11.5"D x 4"H Very good vintage condition with ...
Iron
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Brass Garden Sundial "I Only Count Sunny Hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage brass garden sundial reading "I count none bust sunny hours." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.13"W x 8.13"D x 3.25"H Very good vintage condition with patina ...
Brass
Vintage Neoclassical Iron Garden Sundial, USA, Late 20th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 3"H Good vintage condition with patina throughout. Sturdy and ready for immediate use.
Brass
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial With Sun
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial featuring the sun and clouds at daybreak USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 3"H Very good vintage condition with patina throughout...
Iron
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Time Began in a Garden"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Time Began in a Garden" USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.5"W x 7.5"D x 3.25"H Very good vintage condition with patina t...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Late 20th Century Measures: 11.25"W x 11.25"D x 4"H Very good vintage condition wit...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "I'll only mark your sunny hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading, "Let others tell of storms and showers, I'll only mark your sunny hours." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.88"W x 8.88"D x 4.5"H ...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11.25"W x 11.25"D x 4.25"H Very good vintage condi...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 9.5"W x 9.5"D x 4.25"H Very good vintage...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.13"W x 8.13"D x 3.25"H Very good vintage conditi...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Time Takes All But Memories"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Time Takes All But Memories" USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 9.63"W x 9.63"D x 3.5"H Very good vintage condition with pa...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x 3.5"H Very good vintag...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." Late 20th Century Measures: 11.13"W x 11.13"D x 6.25"H Very good vintage ...
Iron
Rustic Iron Armillary Sphere Sundial on Pedestal – European Garden Accent
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary half-sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled w...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11"W x 11"D x 6"H Very good vintage cond...
Iron
Antique Style Verdigris Sundial "Tempus Fugit" – Neoclassical Garden Accent
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic iron garden sundial inspired by traditional English estate landscapes. Pieces like this bring structure and timeless character to a garden—equally at home centered within a...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Count None But Sunny Hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial featuring Roman numerals and an hourglass with wings, reading "Count non but sunny hours." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11.13"W x 11.13"D x 5.5"H Very good vint...
Iron
Vintage English Country Solid Brass Garden Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage solid brass garden sundial USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.75"W x 7.75"D x 3.75"H Good vintage condition with patina throughout. Sturdy and ready for immedia...
Brass
Extra Large Antique Sundial in iron and bronze, France 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular extra large Antique Sundial or Armillary Sphere with an arrow functioning as a gnomon. This type of item is commonly found as a garden orn...
Bronze, Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.25"W x 7.25"D x 3.75"H Very good vintage conditi...
Iron
Vintage English Country Brass Garden Sundial "Time Flies"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage brass garden sundial reading "Time Flies." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.38"W x 7.38"D x 4"H Good vintage condition with patina throughout. Sturdy and read...
Brass
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial with Hummingbird
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic iron garden sundial inspired by traditional English estate landscapes. Pieces like this bring structure and timeless character to a garden—equally at home centered within a...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11.5"W x 11.5"D x 3.5"H Very good vintag...
Iron
Vintage English Country Brass Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage brass garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11.63"W x 11.63"D x 4"H Very good vintage conditi...
Brass
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial with Hummingbird
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial featuring a charming hummingbird USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 3"H Very good vintage condition with patina througho...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "Tempus Fugit"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading "Tempus Fugit," which translated from Latin means "Time Flies." USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 9.63"W x 9.63"D x 5.5"H Good vintag...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial with Hummingbird
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial featuring a charming hummingbird USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 6.5"W x 6.5"D x 3"H Very good vintage condition with patina thro...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Verdigris Garden Sundial "Grow Old Along With Me"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be." By Virginia Metalcrafters USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 10.63"W x 10.6...
Iron
Rustic Verdigris Iron Armillary Sphere on Pedestal – European Garden Accent
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Classical Wrought Iron Garden Armillary Sundial on Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A large stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style wrought iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals on a stand. This piece would make the perfect centerpiece or ...
Wrought Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Garden Sundial "I count only sunny hours"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron garden sundial reading, "Let others tell of storms and showers, I count only sunny hours." By Virginia Metalcrafters USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 10.25...
Iron
$475Sale Price|20% Off
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Classical Wrought Iron Garden Armillary Sundial on Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A large stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style wrought iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals on a stand USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 36"W x 24"D x 4...
Wrought Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage English country or Neoclassical style black iron garden armillary sundial with Roman numerals USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.5"W x 6"D x 10"H Very good vint...
Iron
Vintage Iron Armillary Sundial Garden Ornament, Neoclassical Outdoor Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary half-sphere sundial, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, n...
Iron
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Black Iron Armillary Globe Sculpture – Traditional Landscape & Garden Decor
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Verdigris Iron Garden Sundial "Time Began in a Garden"
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage iron verdigris garden sundial reading "Time Began in a Garden" USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 7.5"W x 7.5"D x 3.25"H Very good vintage condition with patina t...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Black Garden Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully crafted iron armillary sphere, evoking the timeless elegance of classical European gardens. Pieces like this are often found anchoring gravel courtyards, nestled within...
Iron
Vintage English Country Iron Bronze Garden Armillary Sundials, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning pair of vintage English country or Neoclassical style bronze tone iron garden armillary sundials with Roman numerals USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 11"W x 7.5"D x 14.5...
Iron