Neoclassical Clocks
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This ormolu (gilt bronze) mantel clock is a stunning piece of design, which features beautiful neoclassical style low-relief decorations and three-dimensional sculptures.
The clock takes the form of a tall rectangular case with a circular white enamel dial near its top. This dial features black Roman Numerals and the maker’s signature, ‘Robin/ à Paris’. The dial is displayed behind a glass lens within a foliate bezel. The case is decorated in its upper corners with rosettes, and in the lower section with a stylised depiction of a swan. The case is topped by a sculpture of a wreath, propped up on a roll of paper or parchment. To the left of the case, there is a full-length statue of a man who wears a classical robe and holds a mirror. A lyre leans against the right side of the case.
The clock is set on a wide rectangular base which is decorated with a low-relief scene taken from the classical myth of Dido and Aeneas...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Period Neoclassical Early 19th Century Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock, Vienna
Located in Essex, MA
Large Johann Sachs Austrian clock in large carved wood housing with figures, flanked by decorative flower filled urns, polychromed and gilt. Carved laure...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Giltwood
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Glass and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This French mantel clock is designed in an elegant Neoclassical style, after the decorative arts of the Louis XVI period (1754-1793). This clock will look beautiful placed on a mante...
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a wonderful piece of French Neoclassical design. It is an unusual and very beautiful item, which has been expertly crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu). The clock will add elegance and sophistication to a mantelpiece.
The clock features a table-form body which is topped by a classical urn. The urn is crowned by a pomegranate finial and mounted with twin handles in the shape of rams’ heads with rings in their mouths. The urn is decorated with twisted and cabled fluting, a belt draped with foliate swags, panelled motifs and a ropework band.
The urn stands on a table-shaped body which is surmounted by outward-pointing pinecone finials and laurel branches. The stepped tabletop has scalloped corners and is decorated with an egg-and-dart and leaf-and-dart band, as well as a central Green Man mask. This top is supported on six legs which feature leafy scrolled tops draped with swags and hoof feet. Between the legs, there is a drum clock...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Honoré Pons
By Honoré Pons
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a truly beautiful piece of design, crafted by the leading early 19th century French clock-maker, Pierre-César Honoré Pons. Honoré Pons...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Sevin and Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This ormolu clock is an exemplary work by the famous French 19th century metalworker and foundry-owner, Ferdiand Barbedienne. Working with a design made by the acclaimed onamentalist, Louis-Constant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Marble, Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Gervais
Located in London, GB
This three-piece set—composed of a clock and a pair of flanking candelabra—is a truly unique and delightful piece of decorative art.
The clock is modelled in the image of an 18th century sedan chair – that is, a covered chair sat in by a member of the social elite, which was carried on poles by two people. This chair-shaped clock case is crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu) and decorated with festoons and a flower finial. At its centre, there is a circular white enamel dial, which features Arabic Numbers, colorful swag paintings, and the manufacturer’s name, 'Fd Gervais / Ft du Bronzes / A Paris'. The lower part of the case is glazed, allowing one to see the clock’s sun-burst pendulum. Like a sedan chair, the clock case is carried by two patinated bronze putti...
Category
1870s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock by Piolaine
Located in London, GB
This magnificent mantel clock—which measures an impressive 82cm in height—was crafted in France, in the period when Napoleon I was Emperor (1804-1814, 1815). The clock was crafted by...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Swedish Neoclassical Style Painted Wood Longcase Clock with Carved Palmette
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish early 19th century neoclassical style longcase painted wood clock with carved crest, circular head and linear body. This Swedish painted wood grandfather clock features an ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique French Gilt Bronze, Marble and Tole Revolving Dial Clock
By Francois Vion
Located in London, GB
This exquisite mantel clock was designed in the 19th century in France, inspired by an earlier model by François Vion, a famous Parisian metalworker of the 18th century. In this desi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze
American Brass Miniature Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass, New York. C. 1850
By James Mix
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass miniature carriage clock with beveled glass, carrying handle , and signed enamel over copper face with dial. Clock consists of time, strike,...
Category
1850s American Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Copper, Brass
Gilt bronze mantel clock in form of Roman ruin
Located in London, GB
This wonderful mantel clock is designed in the image of an ancient Roman ruin. The clock is clearly inspired by the kind of prints, paintings and drawings of dilapidated Roman buildi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Onyx and Gilt Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
The white onyx and gilt bronze three-piece set consists of a central clock, accompanied by two six-light candelabra. The three items were crafted in the 19th century, during the reig...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Porphyry Cercle Tournant Fine French Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique mantel clock is unusual for its serpentine design, featuring a gilt bronze, hanging snake head that acts as a clock hand.
The 360 degree turning circular ena...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Antique French Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This large mantel clock is an excellent piece of refined neoclassical design by the acclaimed Deniere et Fils firm. Deniere was one of the leading ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Regency Large Marble Dore Patinated Bronze Ormolu Clock Figural Cherub Maiden
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Regency monumental doré and patinated bronze ormolu-mounted on marble base clock adorned with figures of a Cherub and a Maiden, extremely large an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Cut Glass Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This graceful three-piece clock set is designed in a refined neoclassical style, which was fashionable in France in the 19th century. The set has been crafted from finely cut clear g...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Swedish Neoclassical Giltwood Cartel
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The Arabic numeral dial signed A.M. Blomberg, Stockholm, the case elaborately carved with opposing cornucopias, birds and branches, raised on a bracket decorated with shells and acan...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Solid Silver Inscribed Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This charming silver mantel clock has a fascinating history, having probably been made as a commemorative item. It dates from the 19th century in Spain, and is the work of Spanish si...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Silver
19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer by Dasson
Located in London, GB
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Silver and Enamel Viennese Table Clock
Located in London, GB
This 19th century, Austrian table clock is crafted in silver and the complex champleve enamel technique. The base of the clock is a semi-spherical dome inlaid with enamel panels of c...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt bronze, and features the surmounting figure of Asteria seated with the figure of a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
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 ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This endearing French mantel clock combines lustrous ormolu and sumptuous white marble, making for a light and yet majestic work that perfectly compliments the masterfully executed N...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Cloisonne Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This exceptionally detailed clock set consists of a mantel clock and a pair of accompanying vases, which are all crafted in ormolu and extensively decorated in vibrant cloisonné enam...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Sèvres Style Gold Ormolu and Pink Porcelain Antique French Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
The magnificent neoclassical style clock set would make a beautiful addition to any elegant interior.
The three-piece, antique French clock set comprising a central clock and a p...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie Red Marble, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This fine and ornate antique clock set by Lemerle-Charpentier & Compagnie comprises a clock and two flanking candelabra. The asymmetrical clock is set on a red marble base with ormolu feet and features a central relief panel in patinated bronze. The circular red marble clock...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France
Located in New York, NY
Clock Mantle Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Empire French 19th Century France. A French mantle in gilt bronze decorated with neoclassical symbols ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
By Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain decorated in the Sevres style. 'ER', the mark of French clockmaker Ernest Royer, active in the later 19th Century, is stamped on the underside of the ormolu mounts. There are three Sevres style porcelain plaques in total, all set on turquoise ground: the plaque to the front of the clock depicts a cherub and a nymph as well as containing the clock face with Roman numerals. The two sides of the clock case feature further porcelain plaques, which portray Neptune, Aurora and mermaids. The rectangular ormolu clock case is surmounted by a putto with a dog. There is a neoclassical pilaster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
French Silvered Bronze and Ormolu Neoclassical Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
This charming antique French mantel clock is crafted by famous French maker, Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919). The work is rendered in the eleg...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze French Travel Watch Travel Alarm Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Old French travel watch with onyx applications. Squared roof. On the watch, a curved handle handle. Watchcase standing on four spherical feet. Left di...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Antique French Lapis Lazuli and Silvered Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique three-piece French clock set is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra.
The central clock features a circular central dial surround...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Cartel Clock with Lyre-Shaped Back Plate
Located in London, GB
This elegant Cartel clock is decorated the refined neoclassical style. The wall clock features an unusual lyre shaped back plate and a double headed eagle surmount crowned by an orna...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
White Marble Mantel Clock, Barometer, Thermometer and Lunar Scale by Bourdon
Located in London, GB
Made for the Spanish market and constructed in white Carrara marble, the front with three circular dials for the clock, barometer and lunar scale and two rectangular thermometers.
...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Carrara Marble
Large antique gilt bronze French cartel clock in the Louis XVI style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique clock, crafted in the refined Louis XVI style is of traditional form, but is notable for its intricate and extensive dec...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
French Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
France, circa 1880.
A fine French, gilt bronze ormolu mantel clock with its porcelain face, the case with elaborate garland decorations culminating in a volute krater of flowers abo...
Category
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Period Portico Clock in Tulipwood, Fine Inlay, Ormolu Mounts-France, 19th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Portico style French tulipwood clock with Boulle style fine inlays of mother-of-pearl and bronze. Eight day French movement with a grid-iron ormolu pendulum...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Brass
Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set
Located in London, GB
Three-piece French porcelain and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th Century
Clock: Height 27cm, width 36.5cm, depth 12cm
Candelabra: Height 33cm, width 20cm, depth 11.5cm
This fine three-piece clock set is by Henri Picard, one of the leading producers of luxury bronze...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Empire Style Ormolu Clock Set Depicting the Oath of the Horatii
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 19th century trio is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabra.
The design of the clock case is widely acknowledged to be inspired by one of the most important paintings of French Revolution, ‘The Oath of the Horatii...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Continental Austrian Gilt Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Continental Austrian (18th Century) gilt wood and blue glass panel mantel clock with a pediment (signed: Wieneslaus Wilfarthm, Koniglicher Hoff, UHR Macher) (Not working)
Category
18th Century and Earlier Austrian Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French Louis XVI style carved giltwood mantel clock
French, early 20th Century
Height 60cm, width 39cm, depth 18cm
This elegant mantel clock is crafted from giltwood and designed in a classical style. The clock features a large circular enamel dial set within a giltwood drum. The drum is surmounted by an urn finial and is supported atop an entablature complete with floral motifs and large ball finials. The entablature is raised on four columns, each with a profile bust capital, which in turn are set on a base raised on toupie feet. The base also hosts a carved seated figure...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Enamel
Antique 19th Century French Spelter & Slate Clio Figural Mantel Clock Moreau 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
A spectacular French Mantel Clock with dated works marked 1858. The works Are Marked V & E with a Figured Bee between the two letters. The bell is inscribed Moreau, so the Clio figur...
Category
1850s Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Slate, Spelter
Louis XVI Neo-Classical Style Figural Ormolu Clock by Charpentier & Cie
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This large and impressive clock is by the renown French Bronzier Lemerle Charpentier & Cie. It features Classical maidens holding a large urn form case surmounted by Cupid with his ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Large Antique French Ormolu Drum Head Clock with Lions Masks
By Pierre-Antoine Foullet
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A large and stunning original antique French drum head clock. Beautifully made in finely gilded bronze, it is of Neoclassical design. The movement is mounted...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Ormolu
Century French Gilt Bronze Desk Clock, c. 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Century French gilt bronze desk clock, circa 1940 - a stunning and lovely clock with a shell motif curling up towards you! The clock is not only beaut...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Bronze
1959 Herschede Grandfather Clock with Five Tubes, Brass Dial and Key
Located in New York, NY
This 1959 clock ran and struck fine, but not guaranteed; body is in good condition. It has five tubes, brass dial; serial movement # 604626. Directions are included for assembling three-train tubular...
Category
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Clocks
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassical clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Ferdinand Barbedienne, Japy Frères, Raingo Frères, and Ansonia Clock Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $98,973 while the average work can sell for $11,768.
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