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.
American Leather Document Box, Circa 1830s, Samuel Francis Smith
Located in Hudson, NY
This historically important, American leather clad document box, was made in Boston in the early nineteenth century. The box belonged to, Samuel Francis Smith (October 21, 1808 – Nov...
Leather, Pine, Linen
Silver and enamel candy box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Silver and enamel candy box glass candy jar with silver lid and painted enamel on its lid Origin Switzerland Circa 1900 stamped 935 silver cap Guillo...
Crystal, Silver, Enamel
Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique C.F. Blanke Tea and Coffee Company Exposition Brand Green Tin Coffee Bin This antique forest green coffee bin with a slanted lid opening has an exterior reading: "Blankes Ex...
Metal
Silver Heart-Shaped Spice Box, Lopez Portero, Manuel, Spain, Granada, 1870
Located in Madrid, ES
Heart-shaped spice. Silver. LOPEZ PORTER, Manuel. Spain, Granada, 1870. With contrasting and burilada marks. Silver spice rack in its color with a heart shaped shape and curved spout to one side that has two hinged lids and three spaces inside (partition above and not below); It is supported by three legs decorated with classicist elements and has, towards the side, a series of fine smooth moldings. The hallmarks are those corresponding to Granada, to date, and to the silversmith Manuel López Portero, who also worked as hallmarks in the city. The shape of the piece does not follow the usual prototypes of the time or of the school to which it corresponds (a heart shaped silver box...
Silver
Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy Set from 1797 by Robert Sharp
By Robert Sharp
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1797 by Robert Sharp, this rare and exceptional quality, George III, antique sterling silver tea caddy set, comprises two oval tea caddies and a sugar caddy...
Sterling Silver
Silver Box, 19th-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
With hallmarks. Three-lobed flat-top box made of silver in its color decorated on the edge and lid with elements on chopped luster. The upper part presents a scene framed by scallop...
Silver
Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1806 by Thomas Paine Dexter, this charming, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, is oval in shape, and in the Neoclassical taste, with bright cut engraved decoration to the body and lid, a tea plant finial, and an engraved crest to the cartouche. The tea caddy measures 4.25"(11cm) tall, by 4.5"(11.5cm) wide, by 3.25"(8.5cm) deep, and weighs 11 troy ounces. The crest is likely that of John Trotter...
Sterling Silver
$12,500
German Porcelain Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...
Porcelain
Porcelain and Glass Oval Box, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Small oval box with etched glass base and lid hinge closure made, the latter combining enamel and metal. The bottom has a bucolic landscape with a series of h...
Porcelain, Glass
Antique bronze gilded jewelry box with angels and Blood Jasper plaques .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Just beautiful metal/brass jewelry box with bronze angels and Dragon's Blood Jasper mounted plaques .
Brass
Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Signed Val St Lambert Neoclassical Trinket Box Designed, c1910 Additional information: Date : Designed c1910 Origin : Belgium Bowl Features : Cobalt blue glass with gilded classical...
Glass
Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A tobacco box made during the 18th-19th century in Sweden. From gray lime stone in a temple shape. Neoclassical.
Stone