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.
Italian neoclassical Wooden Statue of Cupid
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classical 9(18th Century) painted wooden figure of a cupid with a gilt robe and hair, with an arm stretched out (AS IS-missing some hand and feet carvings)
Wood
Pair of Italian Brass Figural and Decorative Foliage Prickets, Circa 1760
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian brass prickets with upper ringed bobeches, centered candle spikes, turned bulbous decorative spiral floral columns, supported on triangula...
Brass
George III Neo Classical Water or Tea Urn by Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan
Located in London, GB
A very fine George III Neo Classical Water or Tea Urn made in London in 1790 by Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan. This very fine piece stands on a square pedestal platform with four ...
Silver
Neo-Classic Bronze Toga Man Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Neo-classic style bronze bust of bald man in toga on square shaped base (sgnd: Buenos Aires 1911)
Bronze
Mother and Child Terracotta Sculpture Signed Rougelet
Located in New York, NY
Very fine quality French 19 century Mother and Child Terracotta Sculpture Signed Rougelet ( Benoît. Benoît (Benedict) Rougelet (FRENCH, 18...
Terracotta
Marble, Gilt, and Patinated Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece clock set by Barbedienne French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 93cm, width 60cm, depth 28cm Candelabra: Height 97cm, width 46cm, depth 33cm This monumental marble, gilt, and patinated bronze three-piece set is a stunning example of Barbedienne's craftsmanship during the Parisian Belle Époque. Paul Dubois' 'Le Courage Militaire...
Griotte Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
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
Early 20th Century Italian Terracota Sculpture of Bacchus by Dini e Cellai Signa
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century italian terracota sculpture of God Bacchus by Dini e Cellai Signa By: Dini e Cellai Signa Material: terracotta Technique: molded, pressed, carved, hand-carved, ha...
Terracotta
19th Century Neoclassical Mantel Clock with Orpheus Figure in Bronze
Located in Greding, DE
Neoclassical mantel clock composed of patinated and fire-gilded bronze with white marble. The movement is positioned on the right, finely chiseled and adorned with laurel appliqués. ...
Marble, Bronze
$1,713Sale Price|20% Off
Noble Empire table picture frame, Gold, Oval
Located in Berlin, DE
Neoclassical picture frame made of solid bronze with extremely fine engraving and gilding. Oval body with neoclassical floral crowning and a so-called Lou...
Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Quiver Themed Gilt Wall Sconces by Palladio
By Palladio
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of elegant Italian wall sconces (for use with candles) that feature an ebonized center and parcel-gilt stem supporting two gilt metal candle arms adorned with detail in the st...
Metal
Historistic Picture Frame Fire Gilted with Glass, Vienna, Around 1890s
Located in Wien, AT
Historistic picture frame fire gilted with glass vienna around 1890s (The picture is not included, it is only for the photoshooting).
Brass
Late 18th Century Neoclassical George III Penwork Sarcophagus Jewellery Box
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A George III penwork sarcophagus work box with hinged lid decorated with a chariot, the side with Neo-Classical devices. Age related abrasions and knocks later replacement ebonised ...
Sycamore
Cast Iron Fountain Sculpture "Boy with Goose" Signed Antoine Durenne Fonderie
By A. Durenne
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Cast iron fountain sculpture "Boethus Boy with goose" signed Antoine Durenne Fonderie, France, late 19th century. Green marble pedestal dimensions: 95 ...
Iron
Pair of English 19th Century Neoclassical Style Green Painted Lidded Tôle Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Neoclassical green painted tôle lidded urns from the 19th century, with scrolling foliage and palmettes, friezes of waterleaves, campanula and ivy. Created in Engla...
Tôle
Pair Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Alabastro Fiorito Lidded Vases
Located in London, by appointment only
Rare Pair Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Alabastro Fiorito Lidded Vases. These fabulous masterpieces are designed and made in the most exquisite form, the superbly cast & cha...
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,150 / item
"The Minstrels" French Terracotta Statuette
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Elaborate Terracotta Statuette "The Minstrels". Exquisite Detail. Italy, circa 1880. Dimensions: Height 15" Width 7 1/2" Depth 7 1/2" CW5583
Terracotta
$1,914Sale Price|20% Off
German Neoclassical Amphora Jar Vase in Pewter and Glass, 1900s
Located in Lisbon, PT
An early 20th-century German amphora vase crafted in silver-plated pewter and clear glass, designed in the Neoclassical style. A sophisticated blend of form and symbolism, this vase ...
Pewter
Berlin Iron Candleholder after Karl Friedrich Schinkel, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Candlestick crafted from iron, inspired by a Schinkel design, featuring a fur-clad herm resembling Dionysus and a square foot. Two gracefully wavy candlesticks adorned with leaf deco...
Berlin Iron
Italian Neoclassical Roman Emperor Hadrian Robed Marble Bust on Pedestal, C 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Neoclassical Roman Emperor Hadrian robed marble bust resting on circular tiered marble pedestal. Mid 19th Century
Marble
Pair 19th Century Baroque Style German Carved Wood Busts of Putti
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of carved fruit wood busts of young boys, or putti, South Germany, late 19th century. The realistically carved faces showing distinct personalities and intense gazes. Mou...
Fruitwood
Cupid, Bronze, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Lost wax casting. Marble base. The god of love is distinguished from classical mythology by the quiver of arrows on its back and by the wings that are butterfly instead of feathered...
Marble, Bronze
Mid-Century French Cut Crystal Vase with Etched Geometric and Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a side table or enfilade with this elegant antique vase. Crafted in France circa 1960, the tall neoclassical vase sits on a octagonal base and embellished with a wide mouth ...
Crystal
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Onyx Urns, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Neo-Classic (19th Century) Onyx Urns having a fluted design middle section with handles resting on a small round base (PRICED AS PAIR)
Stone
Iffland Greek Boy with Winged Helmet
Located in Queens, NY
Small bronze Greek style (19th/20th Cent) figure of a young boy with winged helmet holding a staff and bag standing on a cylindrical black marble base (signed F. Iffland)
Marble
$418 / item
Grey Leather Tray
Located in Westwood, NJ
With the quiet shade of grey leather, this leather tray is fraught with detail: the topstitching of each leather panel, the narrow leather straps that hold the stainless steel handle...
Metal
Large-Scaled Pair of Italian Neoclassical Painted and Parcel-Gilt Candlesticks
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large-scaled pair of Italian neoclassical pale green painted and parcel-gilt carved candlesticks; each with everted lip above a columnar support over a lobed mid-section; raised on...
Gaetano Cecere Plaster Sculpture Wood Base #36
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Gaetano Cecere N.A. was born in New York on November 26th, 1894, to Ralph Cecere and Catherine La Rocca. He studied with Hermon A. MacNeil at the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design. His service during World War I earned him a Soldier’s Medal...
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vienna Style Metal Mounted Hand Painted Porcelain Cachepot Vase
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A hand painted cachepot depicting a cherub pastoral scene with a shepherdess holding a lyre and a cherub flying around and observing her. The background is cranberry color. There is ...
Porcelain
Continental German Neo-Classic Silver Box
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (19/20th Century) rectangular sterling silver box with Neo-classic figures in relief (signed: S. SCHNAUFFEN, DRESDEN)
Sterling Silver
$632Sale Price|20% Off
Large Decorative Black Enamel Urn with Brass Detail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome black enamel urn with brass detail. The interior is lined with Brass. This could be used decorative or to hold special items. Neoclassical Style that mixes well with Trad...
Brass, Enamel
$454Sale Price / set|41% Off
Two Historistic Candleholder
Located in Wien, AT
Two historic candleholder. Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
Antique Gorham American Victorian Classical Coin Silver Vase
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical coin silver vase. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Conical bowl with everted curvilinear rim; tapering bracket side handles mounted with cast female heads a...
Silver
Pair of late 18th Century French Patinated Bronze Busts of Racine and Corneille
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb, finely cast and well-patinated pair of French bronze busts representing Jean Racine and Pierre Corneille, two of the most celebrated dramatists of the 17th century. Each bu...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Neoclassical Patinated Bronze and Red Marble Urns Mounted as Lamps
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each urn cast with frieze of classical figures, raised on a bronze-mounted rouge griotte square marble base. The lampshades are silk and custom made by Blanche Field...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$44,167 / set
Antique French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This wonderful clock set was created in France in circa 1870, in the late 19th century. The set, which consists of a mantel clock and pair of candelabra is crafted from gilt bronze (...
Malachite, Ormolu, Bronze
$3,400Sale Price|32% Off
Alabaster Bust of Judith with Marble Column After August Riedel Painting
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a heavy alabaster bust sculpture of Judith after the painting of August Riedel. It depicts the bust of a light brown wavy hair female who is wear...
Alabaster, Marble
Large French 19th Century Parcel Silver &Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Man & Woman
Located in New York City, NY
Important French 19th century multi figural bronze sculpture of a male and female, in a warm brown patina with unusual and rare parcel gilt and silver intricate decoration. Depictin...
Bronze
Period Neoclassical Early 19th Century Carved Giltwood Mantel Clock, Vienna
Located in Essex, MA
Large Johann Sachs Austrian clock in large carved wood housing with figures, flanked by decorative flower filled urns, polychromed and gilt. Carved laure...
Giltwood
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Neoclassical Panther Sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Neoclassical panther sculpture Material: Pewter and marble base (alpe green) Origin Germany Circa 1900 Perfect condition natural wear No visible...
Marble, Pewter
Pair of French Neoclassical Burgundy Marble and Bronze Decorative Urns
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Neoclassical decorative urns made from globular, burgundy marble bodies nestled within decorative bronze cradles held by square bases, a...
Marble, Bronze, Metal
Mid-19th Century Italian Carved Walnut Cherub Compote or Tazza
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in Italy circa 1870, this finely detailed 19th-century figural compote features a playful winged cherub supporting a wide, lobed basin above his head. Sculpted from solid waln...
Walnut
Gaetano Cecere Plaster Sculpture Wood Base #34
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Gaetano Cecere N.A. was born in New York on November 26th, 1894, to Ralph Cecere and Catherine La Rocca. He studied with Hermon A. MacNeil at the Beaux-Arts Institute of Design. His service during World War I earned him a Soldier’s Medal...
Antique bronze gilded jewelry box with angels and Blood Jasper plaques .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Just beautiful metal/brass jewelry box with bronze angels and Dragon's Blood Jasper mounted plaques .
Brass
Late 19th Century Metal Sculpture of a Young Boy by Auguste Moreau, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th Century Belle Époque metal sculpture of a young boy lifting a faced amphora by Auguste Moreau, France By: Auguste Moreau Material: metal Technique: cast, molded, polished,...
Metal
Pair of Palatial Sized Continental Floor Standing Torcheres, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of palatial sized continental floor standing candlesticks / torchères, ca. 1800.
Wood
Fine French Neoclassical Marble and Gilt Bronze Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, by appointment only
A fine late 19th century large white marble and ormolu mantel clock with a finely cast and patinated bronze lady reading. The clock is in superb condition and has been restored by...
Statuary Marble, Bronze
$3,995Sale Price / set|27% Off
Pair of Vintage Sculptural Cast Bronze Native American Indian Chief Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Matched pair of detailed cast bronze bookends depicting a North American Indian Chief bust. There are no maker's marks, initials or signature of eith...
Bronze
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
Neo-Classical style porcelain vase, cobalt blue+gold motifs, Pinon-Heuzé 1930.
By Pinon Heuze
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Large, neoclassical-style vase with three handles in Sèvres blue, with gilded floral motifs, very elegant and refined. A second vase (height 33 cm) from the same manufacturer is incl...
Porcelain
Laudarte SRLCobalt Glass, 24K Gold Gilt Bronze Urn with Malachite Stone, Italy
By Laudarte Srl
Located in Miami, FL
Laudarte SRLCobalt Glass, 24K Gold Gilt Bronze Urn with Malachite Stone, Italy Offered for sale is an Italian Laudarte Srl cobalt glass and 24K Gold Gilt Bronze urn. The gilt bronz...
Malachite, Bronze
$3,984Sale Price|20% Off
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in 263-0031, JP
Lucius Verus was Co-Emperor with Marcus Aurelius during the first nine years of Marcus’ reign. A handsome guy, his image became popular during and after his imperial days. This bust ...
Marble, Bronze
Large 19th Century French Cherub Statue in Terra Cotta Tinted Plaster
Located in Dallas, TX
This large French cherub or cupid statue from the 1800’s is made from plaster that has been tinted to mimic the natural color of terra cotta. The figure ...
Plaster
Bronze Sculpture of the Neapolitan Fisherman after the Antique
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century bronze sculpture of the Neapolitan Fisherman after the antique. In Grand tour style, the boy almost looks like he is in a stance of motion in this good quality scale,...
Metal, Bronze
Pliny's Doves Micromosaic Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite doré bronze box, featuring a meticulously crafted micromosaic lid, embodies the pinnacle of 19th-century Italian artistry. The centerpie...
Bronze
18th Century French Louis XVI Plaster Bust Portrait of Nicolas de Condorcet
Located in Dallas, TX
An 18th French plaster bust of a young aristocrat with a charming gaze and a wonderful old patina.
Plaster
1950s Capodimonte Turquoise Blue Porcelain Hand Painted Lidded Urn Vase
By Capodimonte, Richard Ginori, Mottahedeh, Capo Di Monte, Staffordshire
Located in Miami, FL
Rare monumental 23-inch vintage Capodimonte turquoise blue hand painted porcelain lidded urn or vase, circa Mid 20th Century. This extra-large rare porcelain urn is hand painted with...
Porcelain
$275Sale Price|21% Off
Clear Glass Crystal Candlesticks
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of low crystal glass candlesticks.
Glass
Vintage Danish Saint George Terracotta Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional terracotta sculpture of Saint George is a refined late 19th to early 20th-century interpretation of Donatello’s Renaissance masterpiece. Produced by the venerable Da...
Terracotta
Delft Blue and White "Rappe" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Rappe" urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1800. Inscribed “Rappe” within a floral leafy bordered cartouche. Rappe was a coarse kind of snuff mad...
Brass