Cast Composite Giant Clam Shell
Located in London, GB
A 20th century cast giant clam shell. Weathered condition.
Category
Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Composition
Neoclassical Natural Specimens
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
Neoclassical Grand Tour Malachite Obelisks, Pair
$2,195 / set
Neoclassical Grand Tour Malachite Obelisks, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning pair of neoclassical or Grand Tour style malachite obelisks Late 20th Century Measures: 2"W x 3275"D x 11.5"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Porcelain
Monumental Malachite Egg on Brass Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning Russian style monumental malachite egg on Neoclassical style brass stand featuring three dolphins Late 20th century Measures: 6"W x 6"D x 12.5"H. Egg alone measures: 6"W...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Malachite
Italian Pietra Dura, Semi-Precious, Still Life Stones Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing work in semi precious stones in Hardstones or Pietra Dura work. Framed measures 21 x 24 inches. In back has a partial detail of stones and also origin of art work.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Precious Stone
Pair of Russian Neoclassical Style Malachite Obelisks
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of Russian neoclassical style obelisks of malachite. Square, tapered shafts on a raised panel stepped base. Great color to malachite. One obelisk has a slight 'lean' to the up...
Category
20th Century Russian Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Stone, Malachite
Natural Rock Crystal Sphere on a Neoclassical Polished and Patinated Bronze Base
Located in Hudson, NY
This natural rock crystal sphere containing expected color changes and inclusions is a gem from nature. The sphere is 9 inches in diameter and runs from clear to crazed inclusions th...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Fine Pair of Cut Rock Crystal Obelisks
$13,500 / set
Fine Pair of Cut Rock Crystal Obelisks
Located in New York, NY
A fine and unusual pair of Art Deco hexagon form cut rock crystal obelisks, beautifully hand-cut and hand-polished, Paris.
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Rock Crystal
19th Century Italian Box of Specimen Marbles with Neoclassical Urns
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 19th Century Italian, Neoclassical, fine hinged box. Containing a selection of various hard stones and specimen marbles. The lid with the inscription: 'Marmi Antichi D'Palazzo ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
Small Sculpture of a Nude Boy on Malachite Base, Benjamin Schlick Mid-19th Cent
By Benjamin Schlick
Located in New York City, NY
A fine quality mid-19th century silver electroplate sculpture of a nude male figure after the antique, on original malachite base. A classica...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Malachite
Neoclassical Faux Marble Obelisk with Brass Mounts
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style black and grey faux-marbled pattern obelisk with brass mounts Late 20th Century Measures: 4.75"W x 4.75"D x 18"H. Very good original vi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
Neoclassical Roman Wooden Obelisk after Bernini's Elephant and Obelisk Statue
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical or Grand Tour style wooden and metal obelisk modeled after Bernini's famous Elephant and Obelisk statue in Rome, Italy USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 6.5"...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Metal
Collection of 3 Large Insects in Solid Lucite Boxes Spider Hornet & Stag Beetle
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice collection of Frozen insects circa 1970's , in solid lucite boxes.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Acrylic
Neoclassical Solid Marble Green and Gray Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical Grand Tour style solid marble green & gray obelisk Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 8"H. Very good original vintage condition. Minor surface wear expected with...
Category
Late 20th Century Pakistani Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Marble
Vintage Boho Carved Stone Clam Shell Fonts - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Imbue your space with the romance of antiquity and the serenity of the coast with this magnificent pair of vintage carved stone shell fonts. Sculpte...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Limestone, Marble
Glassy Cluster Of Pointed Terminated Faden Quartz Crystal From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Type: Faden Quartz Crystal Weight: 37 grams Dimension: H: 8.8 x W: 3 x D: 2 cm Origin: Baluchistan Province, Pakistan Treatment: None Description:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Other
19th Century Maritime Spires/Bowsprits Architectural with Acanthus Scroll Motif
Located in Essex, MA
These unusual Bowsprits are John Haley Bellamy-quality, intricately carved tapered boards with traces of colored paint in the recessed portions. Thi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Natural Specimens
Materials
Wood
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A Composite Marble Bust Of David
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Early 20th Century Cast of 'the Sluggard' by Frederic Lord Leighton 1830-1896
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Early 20th Century Cast of 'the Sluggard' by Frederic Lord Leighton 1830-1896
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Kiss Aguste Moreau, Bronze
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bronze
Neoclassical natural specimens for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical natural specimens 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 natural specimens created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical natural specimens made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original natural specimens, popular names associated with this style include Alexandre Vossion, and Benjamin Schlick. 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 natural specimens differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $22,000 while the average work can sell for $4,800.
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