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.
French Terracotta Academic Sculpture Of A Foot
Located in Houston, TX
French Terracotta Academic Sculpture Of A Foot. This stunning antique French terracotta sculpture of a foot is beautifully executed and makes the perfect coffee table accessory or bo...
Terracotta
Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century
Located in Southall, GB
This fine pair of French, silver, allegorical tazzas are tortoiseshelled. They include detailed wreaths on the walls of the base. A finely dressed woman holds each dish proudly above...
Silver
Hand Carved Rouge Marble Urn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A hand carved rouge marble Neoclassical shaped urn.
Marble
Pair 19th Century French Neoclassical Painted and Gilt Porcelain Trumpet Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a buffet with this elegant pair of antique vases from Paris. Crafted circa 1890, the tall neoclassical vessels feature a lo...
Porcelain
Antique Drip-Proof Glass Saucers for Candlesticks, Set of Nine, 1990
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Drip-proof glass saucers for candlesticks or chandelier. In ancient times they were used to collect dripping was, now it is above all an ornament that completes a chandelier. ref. ...
Art Glass
$918Sale Price|20% Off
Candlestick in Silvered Copper, Embossed Decoration, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Torino, IT
Candlestick in silvered copper, embossed decoration, original from the period. Origin Italy Period 18th century Model Candlestick, Torchère Materials Embossed decor...
Silver Plate, Copper
Intaglio & Gilt Bohemian Crystal Pedestal Bowl & Matching Plate
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Outstanding Wheel Engraved & Gilt Crystal Pedestal Bowl & Matching Plate.Bohemia, circa 1900. Dimensions: Height 10 1/2" Diameter 8 1/2" Diameter P...
Crystal
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
"Liberty" Bronze Bust on Black Slate Plinth, 20th Century School
Located in Germantown, MD
A 20th Century School "Liberty" Bronze Bust on Black Slate Plinth. Measures 6.25" in width, 6.25" in depth and stands 15" tall.
Slate, Bronze
Chamberlain & Co Fleur de Lys Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique French medieval style encaustic tile by Chamberlain and Co of Worcester. This 6-inch glazed tile is a striking decorative interior piece or a welcome addition to an encau...
Clay
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian bronze mortar and pestle. Christopher Eberhardt, Anno J667 Grabavw, Early 19th Century. Measures: 7.25" diameter at top, 5.75" diamete...
Bronze
Charming Gilt Bronze Bust of a Woman
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming gilt bronze bust of a woman, spectacular gilt finish. Would look lovely in an office or library
Gold Leaf
19th Century Vintage French Porcelain Jars and Platters
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Vintage Porcelain Jars and Platters Beautiful set of 4 purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
$2,650 / set
Pair of Large Antique Giltwood Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of large antique giltwood sconces. Stunning pair of giltwood and gilt iron two-light candle sconces, circa 1920. These gorgeous Continen...
Iron
Doulton & Co 6-inch Glazed Neoclassical Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare antique 6-inch glazed tile by Doulton and Co. of Lambeth (stamped) depicting a hooded neoclassical figure symbolising Tragedy. In this simple design, the seated figure is ou...
Clay
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century (Mid) French Marbel Bust of a Boy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Mid) French Marbel Bust of a Boy Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Marble
Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical cast stone equestrian statue circa 1950.
Cast Stone
A most impressive bronze bust of a 1920s South American gentleman.
Located in Central England, GB
This most unusual almost life sized heavily cast bronze bust depicts a very smart most likely South American gentleman dressed in a double breasted suit jacket with a shirt and tie. ...
Bronze
Young Women with Flowers by Sylvain Kinsburger
Located in Paris, FR
Late 19th century bronze group featuring two young women with flowers on a small naturalistic terrace. Signed on the terrace: KINSBURGER. Sculptor and engr...
Marble, Bronze
Two Antique Carved Wooden Moulds Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of mounted antique carved wooden moulds from the Tucker collection. This pair is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artis...
Steel
Antique Bronze “Two Putti with a Dish” Auguste Moreau (1834-1917)
Located in Westfield, MA
This stunning antique bronze sculpture, titled “Two Putti with a Dish,” is signed “Aug Moreau” and attributed to the renowned French sculptor Auguste Moreau (1834-1917). The piece ma...
Bronze
Roman Style 19th Century Mosaic Fragment on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This roman style mosaic on stand is a fragment from history. It was reclaimed from a building in the southeast of England and includes a bespoke steel st...
Cement, Marble
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ostrich egg is 5.5" w. No cracks or repairs.
Ostrich Eggshell, Giltwood
$4,850 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice pair of Italian carved wood Putti that hold candles. The base is 7" x 7". The wing spread is 12". From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Wood, Giltwood
$5,950 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unusual Italian sconces. Can easily be electrified. Overall excellent condition, but there are some minor losses of sequins and metal thread.
Iron, Metallic Thread
Pair Of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Rose Marble And Ormolu Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Rose Vif des Pyrenées marble and Ormolu urns. Each urn is raised by five handsome Ormolu scrolled paw support...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Italian Grand-Tour Neoclassical Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Covered Bowls
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous and finely hand-carved pair of grand-tour period neoclassical style Carrara marble covered bowls/centerpieces. Each piece is of oval form with...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb and high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statue. The statue is raised by a rectangular ormolu base with a most elegant and decorati...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Italian Ebonized and Giltwood Maiden Five Arm Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and very decorative pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. ebonized Fruitwood, giltwood, and gilt metal candelabras. Each five arm candelabra is raised by a stepped ...
Metal
Pair of Italian 18th Century Patinated and Faux Porphyry Torchières
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and extremely decorative pair of Italian 18th century Neo-Classical st. patinated, giltwood, and faux painted Porphyry Torchières candlesticks. Each impressive Torchière is raised by three lightly curved legs and handsomely carved paw feet with foliate gilt accents. Each leg is separated by a wonderfully executed tapered faux painted porphyry plaque...
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze and Marble Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and unique pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and Sienna marble candelabras. Each three arm candelabra ...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Carved Candleholders
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of late 18th century Italian giltwood candleholders. Central carved urn form flanked by Greek key forms. Made to fit against the wall, late 18th century, Italy.
Wood
$612Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique Solid Polished Brass Antit arnish Treated Candleholders, Circa 1930s
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of extra tall antique brass candlesticks with a lovely shaped column rising from a shaped stepped base, each still retaining their...
Brass
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