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.
Set of French 19th Century Wax Cast Intaglios in New Frames
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Each of these three parcel painted gilt frames houses 9 pendants created by casting intaglio carvings in red wax in the 19th Century. These intaglios were collected on European “gra...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Set of 4 Framed Red Wax Seal Intaglios, Northern European, 18th to 19th C
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 4 framed red wax seal intaglios, Northern European, 18th to 19th centuries. Beautiful birds eye maple veneered framed, recessed mats with gilt borders makes a handsome display...
Wood
'Naughty Scottie' Vintage White Scottish Terrier Cast Iron Doorstop
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Scottish Terrier cast iron doorstop or bookend, commonly known as The Naughty Scottie due to his lifted hind leg – in the pee position. Made by Band Wagon Inc. in the 1980s, this ...
Cast Iron
Awakening 2/3 Life-Sz Semi-Reclining Female Bronze Sculpture by Anthony Antonios
Located in Sheffield, MA
“Awakening,” created by Anthony Antonios, was modeled from life. The semi-reclining, 2/3 life-size female nude figure is rising as if from a sleep. Rich and beautiful patina by Ranie...
Bronze
Neoclassical Wood Griffin Console Table Att. Phyllis Morris San Simeon Line
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a neoclassical style whitewashed carved griffin console table attributed to Phyllis Morris as part of her custom San Simeon line. Phyllis Morris was a highly regarded Califor...
Wood
Maison Jansen Style Tripartite Brass and Beveled Glass Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Style Tripartite Brass and Beveled Glass Coffee Table Maison Jansen style Neoclassical tripartite brass and beveled-glass coffee table, dating to the mid-20th century. This substantial three-piece modular table consists of a rectangular central section flanked by two matching demilune tables...
Brass
Neoclassical Style Brass Coffee Table with Green Marble Top by Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant neoclassical style coffee table is made of brass with green marble top. This is a French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940
Marble, Brass
19th Century Pair of Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Vases on Walnut Pedestals
By Wedgwood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A striking pair of 19th-century blue and white Jasperware vases attributed to Wedgwood, each vase raised on a finely carved walnut pedestal with gilt beaded decoration. Each vase fea...
Ceramic, Walnut
Porcelain Jewelry Box, Blue and Gold, Mid-20th Century, Europe
Located in New York, NY
An elegant dark blue round porcelain jewelry box with raised gold gilt decoration, Neoclassical design style, circa mid-20th century, Europe. The lid and body are richly embellished ...
Porcelain
A NEOCLASSICAL MINIMALIST BRUTALIST Wrought Iron & Glass FIRE FRAME France 1960
By Atelier Marolles, Leopold Gest, Jean Touret
Located in PARIS, FR
A very beautiful fire screen, Minimalist, Brutalist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, consisting on , work of a French ironworker, probably a unique piece, to be attributed, France 1960. Modernist Brutalist Fireplace Screen...
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Grotto Style Cast Concrete Shell Birdbath
Located in Elkhart, IN
A wonderfully sculptural vintage cast concrete birdbath in the form of a stylized clam shell, raised on a substantial fluted pedestal base. The deepl...
Concrete
Neoclassical Style Carved Swan Arm Painted Bergere Chair, Circa 1940
Located in Rochester, NY
1940's Neoclassical style large bergere chair in the original pale mustard ochre painted surface. The arms ending in finely carved and beautifully detailed swans. Re-upholstered abou...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Rare Karges French Provincial Artist Signed Cherry Chest Faux Marble Top Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
This masterfully executed Karges Transitional Three-Drawer Chest (Model No. 287) bridges the gap between classic European opulence and bespoke American craftsmanship. Drawing heavily...
Hardwood, Paint
Oscar Bach Italian Neoclassical Bronze Wrought Iron Marble Console Table 43"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Oscar Bach bronze, wrought iron and marble console table featuring neoclassical styling with a reticulated / pierced and scrolled foliate grapevine design. The black mar...
Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Etched Crystal World Globe on Antique Dragon Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
A distinctive decorative marriage combining a vintage Tiffany & Co. etched crystal world globe with an earlier ornate dragon-form metal stand. #5689 The removable crystal globe mea...
Crystal, Brass
31 pcs Thomas Pacconi Museum Christmas Ornaments in Box
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous set of vintage Thomas Pacconi Museum 31 pcs Christmas ornaments figurines in 3 layers wooden crate box, with certificate.
Blown Glass
French Gilt Clear & Amethyst Floral Crystal Chandelier, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French gilt chandelier in the style of Maison Bagues. Designed with an open, basket-style framework. Features an antiqued gilt-leaf finish and sculpted metal tendrils, glass ...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Wedgwood Cobalt Blue Jasperware Tea Set, 4-Piece, England, 1960s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A refined four-piece Wedgwood jasperware tea and serving set in deep cobalt blue with applied white neoclassical relief decoration. Made in Eng...
Ceramic
Large Vintage Patinated Bronze Figure of Atlas Holding a Globe 54”H
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large Vintage Patinated Bronze Figure of Atlas Holding a Terrestrial Globe. The bronze figure of Atlas is mounted on a tapered Italian tooled leather plinth base. The overall height ...
Bronze
1950s John Stuart French Blue Painted Neoclassical Style Chests -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1950s John Stuart French blue painted neo-classical style chests. The base is mahogany. They are marked and have dovetail construction. They have been recently painted in a French blue with a lite antique brown glaze...
Brass
English 19th Century Carved Stone Pillar with Urn on Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A carved stone planter rests upon a pedestal to create a lovely garden accent. Made in England in the 19th Century, the planter is carved in a classical urn shape with an egg and da...
Stone
Antique American Bird Study Nature Books, 1909-1935, a Group of Four
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four antique cloth bound Bird and Nature Study Books dating from 1909 to 1935. A nice addition to a home library or for a desktop display. Bound in red or green. “Manual ...
Paper
Limoges Bisque Trinket Box with Neo-Classical Relief with Cherubs.
By Limoges
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bisque Trinket Box / Jewelry Casket with Neo-Classical Relief with Cherubs by Limoges, France. Will hallmark: LIMOGES , FRANCE. Late 1800s/early 1900s. In good condition, smaller/n...
Porcelain
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Hand Painted Night Stands Cabinets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Hand Painted Wood Style: Italian Neoclassical
Wood
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Brass, Steel & Glass Console, France, C 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Jansen style neoclassical metal & glass console, France, C 1960 With glass top, the base and stretcher side and bronze head caryatids with pawn bronze feet.
Metal, Brass
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Neoclassical Style Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900's Caldwell leaded glass light fixture with interior lights. Neoclassical style lanterns. Available 8 items
Bronze
19th Century Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Urn on Carved Wood Pedestal
By Wedgwood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful 19th century Wedgwood Jasperware urn, featuring the iconic combination of a deep blue ground with finely detailed white relief decoration. T...
Ceramic, Walnut
Civil War M1840 AMES Artillery Sword With Scabbard 1862
Located in Dallas, TX
CIVIL WAR M1840 AMES ARTILLERY SWORD SCABBARD 1862 Length: 37 Inches overall with a 32" blade that is 1 1/4" wide. The blade is excellent and shiny Marked: Ames Mfg. Co. Chicopee Ma...
Cast Iron, Steel, Brass
Curule Form Stools / Benches in Leopard Velvet, Circa 1955, Italy
Located in Southampton, NJ
A superb pair of Neoclassical style curule ottomans /benches /stools, featuring sinuous X-form cross-curule bases, intricate turned stretchers with carv...
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood
Wedgwood Jasperware Candlesticks, Neoclassical Blue & White, 1960
By Wedgewood
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A refined pair of Wedgwood jasperware candlesticks in the classic pale blue ground with crisp white applied reliefs. Each candlestick is decorated with neoclassical scenes—draped cla...
Ceramic
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
The Versailles Bouquet: An Indian Aubusson Masterpiece of Aristocratic Splendor
Located in Dallas, TX
79732 Vintage Indian Aubusson Hooked Rug, 11'00 x 14'00. The Versailles Bouquet: An Indian Aubusson Masterpiece of Aristocratic Splendor. This hand-hooked Indian Aubusson rug capture...
Wool
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
Wedgwood Jasperware Dish or Tray, Neoclassical Style, 20th Century, England
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
An English Wedgwood Jasperware oval tray in sage green and white, Neoclassical design style, circa early to mid-20th century, England. This English Wedgwood oval dish/tray, with Neoc...
Stoneware
Jonathan Adler Massive 'Grand Tour' XL Goddess Bust Acrylic Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Jonathan Adler Massive 'Grand Tour' XL Goddess Bust Acrylic Sculpture, circa 2000s. A monumentally scaled, show-stopping statement piece by iconic American designer Jonathan Adler, ...
Acrylic
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Cast Iron and Wood Swan Bench Garden, France, 1950 circa
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Beautiful mid-20th-century French garden bench; crafted with sculptural cast iron swan supports and a wooden slatted seat and backrest. The design is highly decorative and poetic, wi...
Metal, Iron
Italian Neo-Classical Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel & Glass Side Tables Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of Italian neoclassical style drinks tables with Maison Jansen styling. Each table has the Jansen signature steel and brass frame with hoof feet. The glass is removable...
Brass, Steel
Vintage French Gilt Metal And Marble Table Lamp Circa 1950
Located in Norwich, England
Vintage gilt metal table lamp with a square marble base. French. Circa 1950. The lamp has been re-wired with black 3 core and a UK plug added. The original bayonet remains. PAT test...
Marble, Metal
Maison Jansen Style Gilt-Iron Arrow Motif Side Table, France, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Style Gilt-Iron Arrow Motif Side Table, France, 1970s Maison Jansen style French Neoclassical wrought and gilt-iron side table with an arrow-motif base and faux-marble...
Wrought Iron
Pair Of Hickory White Mid Century Modern Two Drawer Nightstands Side End Tables
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A stylish pair of mid century modern two drawer nightstands by Hickory White, featuring warm honey-toned wood construction with a clean, streamlined silhouette. Each nightstand is fi...
Metal
Italian Neoclassic Period Painted Wood Console Table, circa 1800
Located in New York, NY
An Italian fine Neoclassical period painted console table. With a rectangular painted cream colored top with a black painted border resting on a frieze with a decorative black and c...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Ebonised Secretaire
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
An elegant nineteenth-century secretaire, distinguished by its striking ebonised exterior and refined Neoclassical-inspired brass fittings. The secretaire is constructed with a soli...
Brass
1950s Italian Friedman Brothers Neoclassical Black And Gilt Mirrors - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This pair has timeless elegance! These mirrors were crafted in Italy for Friedman Brothers out of New York. The brothers emigrated from England and were highly regarded for their com...
Wood
Antique Neoclassical Mahogany Writing Desk with Brass Inlays and Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant antique Spanish writing desk showcases a refined neoclassical design with clean architectural lines and beautifully balanced proportions. Crafted from solid wood with a ...
Brass
Pair French Pink Opaline Perfume Bottles with Green Serpents Attrib. Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Pink Opaline Perfume Bottles with Applied Green Serpents Attributed to Baccarat A striking and highly decorative pair of French opaline glass perfume bottles attribut...
Opaline Glass
Antique Cut Crystal and Dore Bronze Dresser Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique French Crystal Jewelry casket attributed to Baccarat. It features a diamond cut pattern with a gold toned bow clasp. Heavy, high clarity lead crystal featuring deep, hand cut...
Crystal
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
1970's Decorative Figure of Atlas with Ostrich Egg with Atique World Map Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's Decorative Figure of Atlas with Ostrich Egg with Atique World Map Motif , with a bronze patinated finish over resin base. unique piece sculpture.
Ostrich Eggshell, Resin
Italian Neoclassical Marble Bust of Diana, 19th Century, Italy Grand Tour
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian Neoclassical Marble Bust of Diana, Goddess of the hunt, the moon, wild animals, and chastity. 19th Century, Italy Grand Tour. Bust depicts a youthful classical maiden with h...
Marble
Monumental German Neo-Pompeian 25-Light Bronze Chandelier with Serpents, 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
An extraordinary architectural chandelier in bronze, created as much as a sculpture as a source of light. Dating to around 1900, this monumental European chandelier is an exceptiona...
Bronze
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gorgeous Antique Two Miniature Dollhouses 1960 Furnished and Electrified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Two antique Victorian cottages miniature dollhouses with landscape - trees and yard. Great attention to detail. Fully furnished and electrified. Designed and handmade by South Florid...
Textile, Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Style Steel and Brass Style Brass Side Tables by Maison Jan
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Pair of neoclassical style steel and brass side tables with clear glass top and gilt eglomised mirror on the bottom part. French work by Maison Jansen. Circa 1940 2 pairs available.
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Neoclassical Terracotta Bust of Young Roman Ephebe, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Terracotta Bust of a Young Roman Ephebe, Signed “Amphora” — Neoclassical Style. This striking terracotta bust of a young Roman ephebe, signed “Amphora,” is a refined example of neoc...
Terracotta
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Weathered Cast Concrete Garden Column Pedestal
Located in Elkhart, IN
A substantial late-20th-century garden pedestal cast in concrete and modeled after a classical architectural column. The cylindrical shaft is articulated with vertical fluting, while...
Concrete
$565Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
Pair of Neoclassical Stone Console Tables with Winged Mythological Stone Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
An extraordinary pair of neoclassical console tables featuring sculptural winged mythological figures supporting substantial travertine t...
Cast Stone, Travertine
The Story of Civilization by Will Durant 11 Vol Collectors Edition
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Will Durant The Story of Civilization-11 volume collectors edition.
Paper
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
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