Neoclassical Candle Holders
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.
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Candle Holders
Metal
1990s Italian Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Candle Holders
Metal
1990s Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1970s European Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1980s Portuguese Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Porcelain
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Composition
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Plaster
1990s North American Neoclassical Candle Holders
Bronze
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Marble, Iron
1970s Portuguese Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Ceramic
2010s Italian Neoclassical Candle Holders
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Candle Holders
Metal, Wrought Iron
1890s English Antique Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
1940s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Aluminum
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Candle Holders
Crystal
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Iron
1890s English Antique Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
2010s American Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1940s Swedish Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
Early 1900s English Antique Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
1990s American Neoclassical Candle Holders
Glass
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1970s North American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Porcelain
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass
Late 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Candle Holders
Alabaster, Marble
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century German Neoclassical Candle Holders
Crystal
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Candle Holders
Granite
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Candle Holders
Brass