Alabaster woman sculpture. Italy, circa 1890.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Alabaster woman sculpture. Italy, Firenze, circa 1890.
1890s Italian Antique Neoclassical Decorative Objects
Alabaster
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.
Alabaster woman sculpture. Italy, circa 1890.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Alabaster woman sculpture. Italy, Firenze, circa 1890.
Alabaster
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Striking carriage clock with a gilt-brass corniche case by Grohé, circa 1880. A most attractive eight-day striking carriage clock, signed on...
Brass
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu And Crystal Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and finely detailed French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal box. This beautiful Crystal box displays a wonderful thick Crystal body with lattice designed ...
Crystal, Ormolu
$2,092Sale Price|20% Off
Hilding Ekelund, Finnish 1920's candelabra for Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
By Hilding Ekelund, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Illuminate your home with the Hilding Ekelund candelabra, a masterpiece from the Finnish 1920s, designed for Taidetakomo Hakkarainen. As a renowned arc...
Wrought Iron
Minton 6-inch Glazed Neoclassical Profile Portrait Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 6-inch olive green majolica glazed tile by Minton & Co. (stamped) depicting a profile portrait of a bearded neoclassical figure in a regal headdress. Formerly used to deco...
Clay
19th Century Neoclassical Terra Cotta Bust of Bacchus
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Mid) Terra Cotta Bust Bacchus. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Terracotta
$1,133Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century Biscuit Statuette Young Woman with Flowers
Located in Paris, FR
19th century biscuit porcelain figurine featuring a young woman holding a bunch of flowers in her skirt. This figurine is representative of ...
Porcelain
Barovier and Toso Torchon glass with brass picture frame
Located in Ferndale, MI
Italian frame is comprised of a thick handmade Murano glass border in a sparkling hue . The Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon style creating a thick ribbed tex...
Brass
Neoclassical 19th Century 6-inch Glazed Profile Portrait Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century 6-inch olive-brown majolica glazed dust-pressed tile depicting a profile portrait of a neoclassical figure with laurel wreath headdress before a foliage backdrop. Suc...
Clay
A Magnificent Pair of Decorative Bottles or Carafes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Magnificent Pair of Decorative Bottles or Carafes. Repetitive olive motif cut throughout, elegant necks. Would make excellent lamps. France, circa 1900. Dimensions: Height 20 1/2" ...
Crystal
Pair of Antique Roman Neoclassical Campagna Shaped Black Scagliola Vases or Urns
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of large antique 19th century Roman neoclassical Campagna shaped black Scagliola vases or urns. Seated on a square base, the rim and body of each vase has a meticulously ...
Scagliola
63CM TALL DECORATIVE CLASSiC CHERUB ANGLE SEATED ON A CORINTHIAN PILLARED PLINTH
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super decorative Antique style Neoclassical Cherub Putti Angle statue seated on a Italian Corinthian pi...
Resin
LARGE 45CM ANTiQUE 18TH CENTURY HAND ORNATELY CARVED CHERUB PUTTI BUST STATUE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Exquisite, large 18th Century hand carved bust of a Cherub or Putti in Italian Oak Please note: The de...
Oak
pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal vases. Each most elegant vase is raised by a wonderfully executed base with three richly chased p...
Crystal, Ormolu
Granite Marble Female Statue Sculpture Venus de Milo Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful white granite marble reproduction of Greek goddess 'Venus de Milo' female figure statue sculpture in the Neoclassical style, circa early-20th century, Italy. A great deco...
Granite, Marble
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...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Silver 800 and Enamel Music Box Signed Fallaci Firenze, Italy, circa 1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver 800 and enamel music box signed Fallaci Firenze. Italy, circa 1930. Marked silver 800. Machine signed "Thorens Switzerland".
Silver, Enamel
19th Century French Neoclassical Tole Peinte and Gilt Urn Cachepot
Located in Stamford, CT
A very charming early 19th century French tole peinte vase or urn with a gilt figure of a dancing maiden with one breast exposed playing a sistrum, ancient musical instrument. The ur...
Tin
$1,830Sale Price / set|51% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Altar Candleholders, Italy, Circa 1760-1780
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and large pair of neoclassical altar candleholders with traces of their original silver and gold, Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurement ...
Wood
Rare 19th Century Viennese Porcelain Hand-Painted Ice Cream Pail Vases
Located in London, GB
A rare and finely decorated pair of porcelain ice cream pails on stands, The decoration of the vases is outstanding: the four medallions representing neoclassical mythological scenes of Bacchus, Ceres, Ariadne and Europa surrounded by intricate motives "a grottesca" in vibrant colours and raised gilding. Fashionable in antiquity, for example in the Pompeian "Third Style", revisited among others in the Renaissance by Raphael in the Logge Vaticane, the "grottesche" acquired renewed popularity in the early 1800, with the extensive decorations for example of Villa Borghese and Palazzo Milzetti in Italy, or the Procuratie Nuove in Venice, formerly the Palazzo Reale. In in the mid XIX century Vienna, the Historismus movement revisited the idea too, an example is the 1862 decoration of newly built Renaissance Style Museum fur Angewandte Kunst. Our vases are a refined example of fashionable, elegant decoration at work: the ice cream pail was used in the setting up of the dessert display...
Porcelain
19th Century French Neo-Classical Style Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century French gilt bronze inkwell. Perfect coffee table art or desk statement piece. It is in very good condition and unmarked.
Bronze
Antique Staffordshire Pair Pottery Candlesticks Figurines
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Staffordshire Pair Pottery Candlesticks Figurines Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
African Brass Plant Stand / Vide-Poche — Pierced Botanical Decor
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
19th-Century African Brass Plant Stand / Vide-Poche — Pierced Botanical Decor Description: This is a beautiful 19th-century African brass plant stand or vide-poche, crafted with gre...
Brass
Antique Neoclassical Bronze Trident Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique neoclassical style patinated bronze trident sculpture, mounted on a limestone base. Originally a sculptural fountain, this mid 19th century English piece now stands as a ...
Stone, Limestone, Metal, Bronze
$7,500 / set
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
French. Pair of gilt bronze and patinated bronze neoclassical style seven light candelabra having column form, paw feet and raised on a Rouge Griotte marble step plinth. Apparently u...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock and Barometer Set
By John Barwise
Located in London, GB
Antique marble and gilt bronze clock and barometer set English, 19th Century Height 49cm, width 20cm, depth 12cm This exquisite set of gilt b...
Marble, Enamel, Ormolu
Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu and Marble Statue of Athena
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most decorative and high quality Continental 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and marble statue of Athena. The statue is raised by a plinth wit...
Marble, Ormolu
Tiffany Silver Spirit Flask
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A large American silver spirit flask, by Tiffany & Co., circa 1880, Edward C Moore era, one side chased with hunting scenes, the reverse with cartouche on...
Silver
German Porcelain Jardinière Centerpiece, Neoclassical Style, Circa Early-20th C
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, relatively large, German white porcelain jardinière / footed centerpiece vessel with gold Neoclassical design, circa late-19th century to early-20th century, Germany. Be...
Porcelain
Fine Large Pair of Antique Neoclassical, Campagna Shaped Bronze Urns or Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique neoclassical grand tour period, two-toned patinated and doré bronze, Campagna shaped two handled urns. Each beautifully resting on an original rouge marble pli...
Marble, Bronze
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
18th Century Large Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus
Located in Dublin 8, IE
18th Century Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus. His draped robe is hand-carved in red rosso levanto marble with the face modelled in contrasting white Carrara marble. The piece ...
Marble, Carrara Marble
$19,000
Joseph Charles Marin
Located in New York, NY
Cupid Holding a Bow by French Sculptor Joseph-Charles Marin (1759-1834) White Marble, signed and dated 1784 Provenance: Carl Singer, from the Estate of Charles Hitchcock Tyler, Beverly MA...
Marble
Neoclassical Style French Malachite and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style French malachite and gilt bronze mantel clock French, late 19th century Dimensions: Height 48cm, width 30cm, depth 15cm This neoclassical Louis XVI style mant...
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique French Sèvres Porcelain and Gilt-Bronze Ormolu Mounted Clock, Mid-19th C
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elegant mid-19th century French mantel clock, finely crafted with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts and exquisite hand-painted Sèvres porcelain panels. The clock is adorned with striking bro...
Bronze, Ormolu
Ornamental English Ramshead Fountain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
English Ornamental Ram Head Fountain Sourced from London by Martyn Lawrence Bullard Fitted with wall mount. Graded for indoor or outdoor use.
Steel
Antique Gilt Bronze Fireplace Surround Fender
Located in London, GB
This elegant gilt bronze (ormolu) fireplace fender was created in France in the late 19th century. The item will add splendour and beauty to a fireplace, making it the focal point of a room. The fender features a pierced rail which is decorated with a central cartouche, flanked by stylized acanthus leaves. The ends of the fender are topped by full-length, semi-nude figures. These include a beautiful young woman and a bearded male, holding a blacksmith’s hammer. The latter can be identified as Hephaestus (or Vulcan), the classical god...
Ormolu, Bronze
Monumental Large Neo Classical Gilt Bronze Sculptured Oil Lamp Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and amazing work museum quality of lighting Art. The first owner of this incredible piece of lighting art must have been one of the wealthiest people in town, because this qua...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Ormolu Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. black Belgian marble and ormolu statues of Cleopatra and Semiramis, signed Bouret 1874. Each statue is raised by an eleg...
Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu
Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Statue Of Ariadne Signed Signed F. Vichi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A finely detailed and very impressive Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble statue of Ariadne on its original Verde Mare marble pedestal, signed signed F. Vichi...
Marble
Box in Burled Wood and Silk Brown Color, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This box is in burl wood. It has been made in France in the 1870s. The color is brown, and it is in an good condition. Black silk in the inside. Coat of arms on the top of the lid.
Wood, Silk
$712Sale Price / set|45% Off
Early 20thC English Silver plate Candlesticks /Sterling Silver Columns, set/2
Located in Malibu, CA
A stunning pair of antique late 19th/early 20th century English neoclassical column candlesticks. Square bases with steps up to the column. On the square base, a sterling silver fl...
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
French Gold Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Holders, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of French gold gilt bronze candlestick holders in the Neoclassical style, circa mid to late-19th century, France. A raise...
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Classical Figurine Of A Maiden By Royal Worcester
Located in Dublin, IE
A beautiful Royal Worcester porcelain figure of Venus, the young woman wearing a loose drape edged in gold and gilding and falling in folds ...
Porcelain
Antique French Cast Iron Garden Urn
Located in Houston, TX
Large antique French Neoclassical style cast iron garden urn with swan handles and swag motif. This gorgeous huge Neoclassical iron urn, planter ...
Iron
Vintage Leather Carrying Case With Strap
By Tori Hermes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage leather carrying case, often used for items like telescopes, maps, or scrolls. Constructed from durable, rigid leather, frequently brown in color. ...
Leather
Antique Neoclassical Style Oval Photo Picture Frame Hanging Standing Home Decor
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Neoclassical Style Oval Photo Picture Frame Hanging Standing Home Decor Continental Glass, wood, metal c. 1900 Dimensions: H x D: 15.5cm x 10cm (external) 13cm x 8.2cm ...
Metal
Antique Carved Wooden Cartouche Mould Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mounted antique carved wooden cartouche mould from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist, C...
Wood, Hardwood, Boxwood, Fruitwood
Pair H.D. Saunders 19th c. Savannah, GA Portrait Sculptures of Telfair/Hodgson
Located in Southampton, NJ
An incredibly rare pair of 1859 plaster portrait plaques by Henry Dmochowski Saunders (1810-1863) of William Brown Hodgson (1801-1871) and wife Margaret (Telfair) Hodgson (1797-1874)...
Steel
$251Sale Price|68% Off
Cast Aluminum Mounted Antelope Sculpture
Located in Lomita, CA
The sculpture is a vintage cast metal antelope skull wall ornament. It is unattributed, and was made in the second half of the 20th century. The piec...
Aluminum
$8,858 / set
Two Louis XVI Style Carved Giltwood Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These beautiful giltwood wall lights are designed in the style of decorative art produced in the Louis XVI period (1774-1793). This period saw the emergence of the neoclassical style...
Giltwood
Mid-19th-century bronze mini vase signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Mid-19th-century bronze mini vase signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne This Neo-Greek style vase, possibly from the second half of the 19th century, is made of bronze with gilt details. I...
Bronze
19th Century Grand Tour Verdigris Bronze Bust of Dante Alighieri / Marble Plinth
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Verdigris Bronze Bust of 14th Century Italian Poet Dante Alighieri on Marble Plinth. Measures 18" in width, 7.5" in depth and 13" in height.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Egyptian Sphinxes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble statues of Egyptian Sphinxes. Each Sphinx is sculpted out of one solid piece of marble and is raised...
Marble
$668Sale Price / set|42% Off
Couple of Small Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of small wooden candleholders with their original gilding. Very nice type candleholder and rare to find in a pair. Italy, circa 1780-1800. Weathered, small losses.
Iron
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Marble Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most decorative French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble three piece garniture set signed Japy Frères. The impressive clock, which Japy Frères won a gold metal for this clock in 1855, at the center is raised by a rectangular Rouge Griotte marble base with fine bun feet and a striking wrap around Coeur de Rai and pierced palmettes bands at the mottled border. The white enameled clock face displays pierced hands and Roman hour numerals set within the mottled ormolu bezel with intricately detailed beaded and foliate designs with two charming and most unique butterflies. A beautiful maiden is seated above draped in a wonderfully executed flowing garment while breastfeeding a charming winged cherub with an anchor, a quiver, and an ewer at their side. The pair of urns are displayed at each side and are each raised by elegant square bases with a bottom ormolu band and an exceptional wrap around mottled band. Above the square Rouge Griotte pedestal...
Marble, Ormolu
Continental Neoclassical Style Silver Plated & Marble Urn or Vase, ca. 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
entirely silver plated, the urn of slightly tapering shape and having decorative rams head handles atop a plinth support, raised on a square marble base, chips to marble and a small ...
Marble, Silver Plate
18th Century French Marble Bust of Dancer, Palace Provenance, Antoinette Style
Located in Madrid, ES
This expressive 18th century marble portrait bust is of Marie-Madeleine Guimard (1743-1816), a successful dancer and one of the most famous courtesans of pre-Revolutionary France. The bust is unsigned, but identical to one in the collection of London's V&A museum carved...
Marble
Enamel and gilt bronze jardiniere. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel and gilt bronze jardiniere. France, late 19th century.
Bronze, Enamel
White plaster neoclassical venus torso
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical torso plaster sculpture on plinth in the style of Georges Serre.
Plaster