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.
Large Antique Neoclassical Style Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An unusual large antique Neoclassical style porcelain tile panel depicting a row of antique vases on a mantel. Incorporating Roman and Victorian styles, this 12-inch tile is decorat...
Clay
Antique Carved Wooden Mould Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mounted antique carved wooden mould from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, Christopher...
Steel
Pair of Antique Carved Wooden Moulds Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of mounted antique carved wooden moulds from the Tucker collection. These are just two of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up art...
Wood, Hardwood, Boxwood, Fruitwood
Antique Carved Wooden Mould Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mounted antique carved wooden mould from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, Christopher...
Steel
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ostrich egg is 5.5" w. No cracks or repairs.
Ostrich Eggshell, Giltwood
Doulton & Co 6-inch Glazed Neoclassical Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare antique 6-inch glazed tile by Doulton and Co. of Lambeth (stamped) depicting a hooded neoclassical figure symbolising Tragedy. In this simple design, the seated figure is ou...
Clay
Minton & Co 6-Inch Tile Handpainted with Leopard & Deer
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A highly decorative antique 6-inch dust-pressed porcelain tile by Minton & Co. (stamped), glazed and hand painted with a roundel depicting a leopard pouncing on a deer in vibrant blu...
Clay, Porcelain
Two Antique Carved Wooden Moulds Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of mounted antique carved wooden moulds from the Tucker collection. This pair is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artis...
Steel
Roman Style 19th Century Mosaic Fragment on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This roman style mosaic on stand is a fragment from history. It was reclaimed from a building in the southeast of England and includes a bespoke steel st...
Cement, Marble