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Neoclassical Desk Accessories

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
Color:  Brown
Cristal Saint Louis Ivoire de Balmain Collectible Perfume Decanter/Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Cristal Saint Louis cut crystal decanter of Ivoire de Balmain perfume. The bottle is urn shaped and it is a faceted clear crystal. There is...
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20th Century French Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Antique English Blue John or Derbyshire Spar Egg Shaped Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique paperweight. Comprised of Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar), a rare form of fluorite from England with distinct purple & yell...
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Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Precious Stone

Game of Chess and Checkers Designed by the Architect Antonella Fonda
Located in Foggia, FG
Game of chess and checkers designed by the architect Antonella Fonda. Chess and checkers have been finely crafted by specialists in the processing of hi...
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1980s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Desk Accessories

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Brass

French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Escritoire Desk
Located in Brea, CA
This Louis XV style vanity gilt bronze-mounted desk has one wide drawer in front and there are 6 drawers on two lines for even more storage. Fine writing desk with curved sides and g...
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20th Century American Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Hardwood

Italian Grand Tour Marble Model of a Roman Labrum or Bath, circa 1810
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Rare early 19th century Italian Grand Tour model of an ancient Roman labrum (bath) or sarcophagus in exquisitely carved rosso antico marble having double ring handles and central lio...
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Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Twelve 19th Century Painted and Gilt Metal Desk Accessories
Located in London, GB
In a time of computers and technology, this antique desk set harks back to a more romantic period when people read letters at their desks by candlelig...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Italian Neoclassical Style Obelisks in Extinct Brown Alabaster
Located in New York, NY
Italian 19th century pair of neoclassical style obelisks made in rare extinct brown alabaster. The pair was made in Italy and is in great condition, wi...
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19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desk Accessories

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1940s Architect's Antique Telescopic Survey Rule Wood Engineering Measure
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique architect's style adjustable extending wood ruler...Easy to read.. You'll love the large type style numbers Charming patinated metal hinges Tons of character and history. Mea...
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1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Desk Accessories

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Elsa Peretti 1981 Tiffany & Co Carved Rock Quartz Limited Edition Perfume Bottle
Located in Miami, FL
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Neoclassical desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Wedgwood, Henrik Wigström, Georg Jensen, and Platerías Martínez. 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 desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $16,875 while the average work can sell for $1,450.

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