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.
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and marble, three arm candelabras. Each candelabra is raised by a triangu...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century Italian Poly-Chromed Iron Standing Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finley wrought iron with hints of the original poly-chrome finish. Nicely waxed finish. Too small leaves missing, but barely noticeable. Bottom is 17" x 17".
Iron
Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
This magnificent clock set is the work of celebrated French maker Henri Picard, who collaborated on this fine piece together with the famous firm of clockmakers, Raingo Freres. Both ...
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Pair of South American/Mexican Dore Bronze 18th Century Candleholders
Located in New York, NY
A pair of neoclassical monumental finely cast and chased dore bronze early 18th century south American/Mexican single light candleholders. These are a monumental pair of candle holde...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Candelabra, Neoclassical Design
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair French Grand Tour Bronze Candelabra. Beautiful design, see photos.
Bronze
Lovely pair of candle holders by Maison Lancel in ceramic
Located in NICE, FR
This exquisite pair of ceramic candle holders, signed "Lancel Paris Made in Italy" on the base, embodies refined craftsmanship and delicate artistry. Designed in the shape of bloomin...
Ceramic
Pair of Italian Ebonized and Giltwood Maiden Five Arm Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and very decorative pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. ebonized Fruitwood, giltwood, and gilt metal candelabras. Each five arm candelabra is raised by a stepped ...
Metal
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu, Bronze and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A remarkable true pair of French 19th century neo-Classical st. ormolu, patinated bronze and Vert de Patricia marble lamps. Each three arm candelabra lamp is raised by a rectangular Vert de Patricia base with a fine mottled border below the ormolu pedestal shaped support with a Coeur de Rai band and impressive family crest with axes and spears amidst oak and laurel branches. Above and to the left is a handsome patinated bronze Roman soldier...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Doré Bronze French Neoclassical Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
This outstanding pair of French Second Empire candelabra exemplifies the grandeur and exuberance of this decorative era. Expertly crafted of doré bronze and white marble, these light...
Marble, Bronze
Silver Candlestcik or Candle Holder, Francesc P. Arquer, Barcelona, circa 1825
Located in Madrid, ES
Candlestick with chain. Silver. Francesc P. Arquer, Barcelona, Spain, circa 1825. With contrast, derisive and proprietary (AS) marks. Silver candlestick in its color with an openwo...
Silver
Antique Drip-Proof Glass Saucers for Candlesticks, Set of Nine, 1990
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Drip-proof glass saucers for candlesticks or chandelier. In ancient times they were used to collect dripping was, now it is above all an ornament that completes a chandelier. ref. ...
Art Glass
$3,125 / set
Pair of Italian Giltwood Alter Sticks
Located in Vista, CA
Fourth quarter 19th century, in the neoclassical taste, the baluster-form standards decorated with acanthus leaves and fitted with flaring drip pans and pricket candle holders, raise...
Giltwood
pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal candlesticks. Each charming candlestick is raised on foliate Ormolu bun feet below a l...
Crystal, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. White Carrara Marble Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu, patinated bronze and white Carrara marble candlesticks. The pair are each raised by a circular base with a moulded ...
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Italian 18th Century Patinated and Faux Porphyry Torchières
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and extremely decorative pair of Italian 18th century Neo-Classical st. patinated, giltwood, and faux painted Porphyry Torchières candlesticks. Each impressive Torchière is raised by three lightly curved legs and handsomely carved paw feet with foliate gilt accents. Each leg is separated by a wonderfully executed tapered faux painted porphyry plaque...
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze and Marble Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and unique pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and Sienna marble candelabras. Each three arm candelabra ...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Carved Candleholders
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of late 18th century Italian giltwood candleholders. Central carved urn form flanked by Greek key forms. Made to fit against the wall, late 18th century, Italy.
Wood