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.
19th Century Bronze Group ‘Ariadne and the Panther’
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A good sized 19th Century Classical Grand Tour Bronze group of Ariadne And The Panther, modelled with Ariadne reclining to the left while her head is looking to the same side, with h...
Bronze
Large Antique Neoclassical Standing Candleholder Brass and Marble france 1900s
Located in Nienstädt, DE
Large floor-standing candelabra Neoclassical / Empire Revival France circa 1890–1910 Brass alloy / black marble 5-light Height 72 cm, diameter 31 cm An exceptional and imposing piece...
Marble, Brass
Neoclassical Style Italian Chalice-Shaped Vase in Ground and Diamond Crystal
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Before describing the object under consideration, we must make an important clarification; the artifact, one of many that we will publish over time, is part of the museum collection ...
Crystal
Exceptional French 1940s Candelabra in the Style of Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional French 1940s wrought iron candelabra in the style of Gilbert Poillerat. Can be used as is or turned into a chic floor lamp.
Wrought Iron
Exceptional Pair of Early Victorian Iron Wash Stone Campana Urns, Circa 1840s
Located in London, GB
An academically significant pair of English Early Victorian garden urns, dating to circa 1840. Executed in a high-quality stone, these urns are modeled after the celebrated "Borghese...
Stone
NEO-CLASSIC Swedish Scent Perfume Bottle In Cobalt Glass And 925 Sterling Silver
By Mema
Located in Miami, FL
A perfume scent bottle made in Sweden. Very beautiful and lovely perfume scent bottle, created in the city of Lidköping Sweden by the MeMa Sterling Co. back in the 1975. The bottle has been made in cobalt blue glass with a fitting lid and a removable frame, crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling. The sterling cover was made up in the neo-classic empire style with multiple floriated garlands patterns. Note: This bottle may be also used as a vinegar or olive oil dispenser...
Silver, Sterling Silver
French 19th Century Wrought Iron Urns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Neoclassical Wrought Iron Jardiniere or Urn with a pedestal base; their sturdy construction gives them substantial weight so you can count on them to stand strong. An egg ...
Wrought Iron
Stunning Neoclassical antique sterling silver basket by William Plummer 1782
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1782 by William Plummer, this George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Basket, is in the Neoclassical style, with engraved and pierced decoration to the bod...
Sterling Silver
Cup On Foot In Cut Agate With Gold Mount, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Cup on foot in cut agate with solid gold setting rings (no hallmarks) Height 9.5 cm Diameter 7.7 x 11.3 cm 19th century
Agate, Gold
$1,200 / set
Pair of Large Brass Altar Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Lovely pair of large brass Altar Candlesticks. Adorned with classical embellishments, a pair of winged cherubs at the base, and on paw feet. Perfect for an...
Brass
Pair of Roman Neoclassical gilt and bronze candle sconces with arrow motif
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Mid-Century, Neoclassical iron candle sconces in the manner of Gio Ponti and Tomaso Buzzi surrealist arrow motifs, Greek Roman soldier profile, and ram's head gilt accents. A treasur...
Bronze
$1,800 / set
Bust of Child Sculptures- A Pair
Located in Denton, TX
Bust of Child Sculptures- A Pair. Unknown signature on the back. Boy sculpture measures 9.25 H X 8 W X 4.63 D Girl Sculpture Measures 9.25 H X 7.75 W X ...
Plaster
18th Century Neoclassical Bronze Doré Sculpture of Woman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A masterful large classical statue in cast bronze of a beautiful young woman in stride wearing a flowing ionic chiton. The exquisite casting of ...
Bronze
Terracotta Dancer with Finger to Chin after Antonio Canova, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Terracotta sculpture after Antonio Canova’s iconic Danzatrice con dito al mento (1809–1814), a masterful example of neoclassical elegance. The dancer is captured in a graceful pose, ...
Terracotta
Italian Neo-Classical Bronze Centaur Sculpture, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze figure of a Centaur with raised hand and holding a staff with a dark brown patina (similar to BAS012)
Bronze
Antique Italian Rustic Terracotta Urn Garden Planter With Green Glazed Leaves
Located in High Point, NC
A wonderfully romantic Italianate terracotta garden urn, richly appointed with sculptural emerald-green glazed leaves that spill dramatically over its softly rounded rim. Resting on ...
Terracotta, Paint
Corbeille Vase Pair of Swedish Porcelain Rörstrand White Gilded, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Corbeille vase pair of Swedish Rörstrand white gilded, Sweden. A pair of Swedish porcelain corbeilles from the Rörstrand Porcelain Factory. Gilded ...
Porcelain
$192Sale Price|30% Off
Ainun Black Bear Hand Carved Wood Sculpture with Glass Eyes
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A traditional Ainu bear carving typically depicts a black bear with stylized features, often emphasizing its strength and significance in Ainu cultur...
Wood
Continental Niello and Silver Gilt Snuff Box, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
No apparent hallmarks. The diaper pattern filled with small crosses throughout and the opening with a slight lip.
Silver
18th Century Neoclassical Wooden Merman Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An 18th century wooden merman sculpture dated to circa 1750. Presented on a stepped base, a male figure kneels over a dolphin with two more either side. The bearded figure holds a l...
Pine
Italian Painted & Gilt Tôle Peinte Umbrella Stand or Waste Bin with Harbor Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely hand-painted and gilt trapezoidal tôle peinte umbrella stand or refuse bin, likely Italian, dating to the 19th century. The central panel is adorned with an elaborate coasta...
Metal, Brass
12" Nicholas Wilson Bronze Mountain Lion Sculpture on Wood Base 3/25
Located in Pasadena, TX
Nicholas Wilson was born in 1947. He now works out of Tubac, Arizona. This sculpture depicts a Mountain Lion licking its paws. The bronze is mounted on a solid wood base. It's signed...
Bronze
Monumental Early 19th Century Marble Clock from the Collection at Boscobel
Located in Essex, MA
Carved marble figure of a draped woman and urn as a clock --Moving and rare --Ex Collection at Boscobel, Boscobel is an estate overlooking the Hudson River built in the early ...
Marble
Wedgwood blue and white jasperware candlestick
By Wedgwood
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Wedgwood jasperware candlestick, neoclassical style item decorated with white antique-style characters and trees on a sky-blue backgroun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of French Neoclassical Rouge Griotte Urns with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Ormolu Mounted Rouge Griotte Urn Forms, each with two swan head form handles. 20.75" H x 8.5" W x 7.5" D. Provenance: From an East 35th Street E...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th C French Neoclassical Bronze Figural Lion Plant Stand Vase Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Neoclassical Style Bronze Figural Lion Plant Stand Vase Pedestal. Item features a highly decorated bronze frame with figured lion accen...
Bronze
$248Sale Price / set|20% Off
6 West Germany Easter Eggs Paper Mache
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Set of 6 nesting West Germany Easter eggs paper mache. Collectible
Paper
$760Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century Description: Resting on ebonized socle bases. Wear commensurate with age and use. Provenance: Private Austr...
Stone
Large Mid-20th Century Bavarian Glazed Porcelain Covered Urns, West Germany
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A handsome pair of large mid-20th century Bavarian glazed porcelain covered urns, finely crafted in West Germany with classical decorative detailing. Each urn is formed in a graceful...
Porcelain
$7,900 / set
Pair of Maison Baguès Style Bronze Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Classic and elegant bamboo style, circa 1950s Maison Baguès style floor lamp. US rewired. Maximum wattage: 100W.
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Cast Bronze Bust of Baby
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage cast bronze bust captures the timeless innocence and softness of childhood through classical sculptural form. Depicting a young child with gently downcast eyes ...
Concrete, Bronze
Cupid. Bronze, Marble, After Models from Auguste Moreau ‘1834-1917’
Located in Madrid, ES
On a round base stands the figure of the God of Love, Cupid. The sculpture in bronze, with the iconographic attributes corresponding to this figure in classical mythology, was made b...
Marble, Bronze
$1,109 / item
Paul Mathieu Candlestick, Green Marble Plate I
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
A Green Marble candlestick is hand-carved from Green Marble in a plate-base candlestick form. The piece presents a plate-base candlestick form in hand-carved Green Marble. Works equa...
Marble
$1,794 / item
Paul Mathieu Candlestick, White Marble Plate II Form
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble plate-base candlestick is hand-carved from White Marble in a plate-base candlestick form. The piece presents a refined plate-base candlestick in hand-carved White Marb...
Marble
$1,794 / item
Paul Mathieu Candlestick, Black Marble Plate II Form
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble plate-base candlestick is hand-carved from Black Marble in a plate-base candlestick form. The piece presents a refined plate-base candlestick in hand-carved Black Marb...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (8", Black Marble), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Large 18th Century Red Chalk Drawing of Ruins after Hubert Robert
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Rome. Red chalk on paper. Provenance: H. Shickman Gallery, New York (D1311). Label verso where given to Hubert Robert. This sumptuous drawing is a ...
Paper
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (8", White Marble), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (14", Black Marble, Oval), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (12" dia, Black Marble, 5"H), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (10" dia, Black Marble), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (10" dia, White Marble), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (12" dia, Black Marble, 2"H), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (12" dia, White Marble, 5"H), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Candlestick, Black Marble Fluted
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Black Marble candlestick is hand-carved from Black Marble in a fluted column candlestick form. The piece renders the classical fluted column in Black Marble as a candlestick. Works...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Marble Bowl (12" dia, White Marble, 2"H), Rope Carved Stone
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble bowl is hand-carved with a coiled rope motif, each cord worked individually from the stone block. Suitable as a decorative bowl, centerpiece bowl, serving vessel, or d...
Marble
Paul Mathieu Candlestick, White Marble Ove Form
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble candlestick is hand-carved from White Marble in an ovoid candlestick form. The piece renders a refined ovoid candlestick form in hand-carved White Marble. Works equall...
Marble
$9,886 / item
Ornamental Marble Urn, Floral Pietra Dura Inlay
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A White Marble object is crafted from White Marble and decorated with Pietra Dura floral inlay executed in Carnelian, Malachite, and semiprecious stone. The piece presents a Mughal b...
Marble, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite
Paul Mathieu Oval Planter (26"), Hand-Carved Stone Pot
By Paul Mathieu (French), Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A stone oval pot object is hand-carved from solid stone in an oval form suitable for planting or display. The piece presents a clean oval form hand-carved in stone, scaled for indoor...
Stone, Marble
Paul Mathieu Oval Planter (18"), Hand-Carved Stone Pot
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
A stone oval pot object is hand-carved from solid stone in an oval form suitable for planting or display. The piece presents a clean oval form hand-carved in stone, scaled for indoor...
Stone, Marble
$1,931 / item
Fruit Bowl, Lotus Carved Jaisalmer Stone Bowl
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
A Jaisalmer Stone bowl is hand-carved in a lotus-petal pattern, each petal transitioning smoothly into the next around the full perimeter. The honey-gold sandstone deepens in tone un...
Stone, Sandstone
Petite Mintons Neoclassical Porcelain Cabinet Vase C. 1891
By Minton
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite petite cabinet vase by Mintons, dating to circa 1891, is a refined example of Neoclassical-inspired design. Crafted in porcelain, the vase features an elegant magenta ...
Porcelain
Delft Blue and White "Manilla" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Manilla" tobacco jar with stepped brass lid, Netherlands, circa 1790-1809. Decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Manilla" is inscribed. Manilla refers ...
Brass
$55Sale Price / set|68% Off
Artisan Handmade Christmas Jumbo Ball with Stand and Christmas Wreath
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unique artisan made jumbo vintage European blown glass 5” Mercury glass ball Handpainted and on stand . With handmade Christmas wreath
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Contemporary French Ceramic Vases with Mushroom-Inspired Organic Relief
Located in Dallas, TX
This sculptural pair of contemporary French ceramic vases was crafted circa 2010 and reflects the refined organic aesthetic seen in high-end European decorative design. Each vessel i...
Ceramic
Vintage Wood and Shell Greek Figure Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage wood and shell figure box presents a striking juxtaposition of hand-carved classical sculpture and naturalistic shell craft. The standing figure, carved from a rich, dar...
Wood, Shell
Pair Early 19th Century French Vieux Paris Hand-Painted Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair early 19th century French Vieux Parishand-painted porcelain vases feature a religious theme, painted on one side with the name of Jesus, and on the other Marie, the French spell...
Porcelain
Large Antique French Sèvres Style Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Vase
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in London, GB
Large antique French Sèvres style porcelain and gilt bronze vase French, 19th Century Overall dimensions: Height 157cm, width 60cm, depth 44cm Vase: Height 141cm, width 60cm, depth...
Ormolu
Porcelain Bowls Neoclassical Design Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of two (2) porcelain bowls in powder blue with an acanthus leaf design finished with a gold edge and scroll at end, in the Neoclassical/Greco-Roman design style, circ...
Porcelain
A Set Of Antique Carved Wooden Floral Moulds Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four antique carved wooden floral moulds from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artist,...
Wood, Hardwood, Boxwood, Fruitwood