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Neoclassical Mounted Objects

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 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...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Mounted Objects

Materials

Steel

Antique Carved Wooden Mould Ex. Tucker Collection
Antique Carved Wooden Mould Ex. Tucker Collection

Antique Carved Wooden Mould Ex. Tucker Collection

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ostrich egg is 5.5" w. No cracks or repairs.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Mounted Objects

Materials

Ostrich Eggshell, Giltwood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture

Neoclassical mounted objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical mounted objects 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 mounted objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical mounted objects 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 mounted objects, popular names associated with this style include A. Collas Brevete, Alexandre Vossion, and F. Barbedienne Foundry. 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 mounted objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $552 and tops out at $20,000 while the average work can sell for $3,000.

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