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.
Fine Grand Tour period carved marble classical female figure Italy 19th c
Located in London, GB
Elegant carved marble sculpture of a classical female nude in the Grand Tour taste, Italian and dating to the 19th century. Beautifully modeled in creamy white marble with bowed hea...
Terracotta
Maitland Smith Bronze Neoclassical Footed Trophy Urn Candle Holder Pillar 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century Maitland Smith bronze neoclassical / Grand Tour / tazza style pillar candle holder. Square base with paw feet supporting a pedestal decorated with angels / winged N...
Bronze
$192Sale Price|30% Off
English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Design
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Stoneware
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Russian Ormolu & Amethyst Glass Swan Centerpiece, Atrib to Imperial Glass Works
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Russian Ormolu and Amethyst Glass Swan Centerpiece, Attributed to Imperial Russian Glass Works St. Petersburg Imperial Glass Factory, Mid to late 1...
Crystal, Ormolu
Howard Miller “Eternity II” Curio Grandfather Clock, Oak, Circa 1980s
Located in Omaha, NE
A refined example of late 20th-century American horology, this Howard Miller “Eternity II” curio grandfather clock (Model 610-683) blends precision timekeeping with architectural dis...
Brass
Pair of French Bronze Candelabras, Neoclassical Design, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant early 20th-century French bronze candelabras with classical symmetry and refined patina. A refined pair of French bronze candelabras from the early 20th century, embodying t...
Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Statuary Marble Statue
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A beautifully carved antique statuary Carrara marble statue of Adonis. The male figure is depicted in the nude leaning against a tree. Adonis was the mortal lover of the goddess Aph...
Carrara Marble
Neoclassical Verdigris Brass Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in Elkhart, IN
A handsome late 20th-century brass bust depicting Apollo Belvedere, modeled with an idealized classical profile, swept hair, and elegantly draped shoulders. A dark brown finish is en...
Brass
Pair 19th c Italian Neoclassic Urn-Carved Candelabras w/5 Candle Pricket Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian pair of Neoclassical style five light candelabras from the 19th century. These antique candle holders from Italy are have gesso and silvered/gilt over a carved wood base i...
Iron
19th-Century English Artist's Watercolour Mahogany Box R. Ackermann
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a 19th-century English artist's watercolour box, likely made of mahogany, featuring the manufacturer's label "R. ACKERMANN" on the interior lid. The box is b...
Brass
Hand-Blown Crystal Bowl, Lalique Style, Neoclassical Design, 1960s
By Lalique
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Free-blown clear crystal glass small bowl, spike rim freeform crystal. Crystal bowl in a swirled rib design with five ribbed points. Could be used as a vide poche or decorative shelf accessories...
Crystal
Greek Grand Tour White Marble Plaque After the Antique
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An original Grand Tour white marble plaque of Greek origin depicting the story of Orpheus and Eurydice after the 5th century BC antique located in the Vill...
Marble, Steel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona Dealer Wall Clock. Great As A Collection. We Have
Located in Buchanan, MI
This dealer clock is tested, and looks to be working. The clock face reads, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified...
Brass
20th Century Sorrento Marquetry Burlwood Music Jewelry Box by La Botteguccia
Located in San Diego, CA
Late 20th Century Sorrento Marquetry Burlwood Music Jewelry Box by La Botteguccia, circa 1980. An exquisite example of traditional Italian craftsmanship, this vintage music jewelry ...
Brass
20th Century L.C. Tiffany Favrile Glass and Gilt Bronze Trumpet Vase, No. 1043
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A distinguished early 20th century American vase by Tiffany Studios, circa 1920, featuring a slender trumpet-form hand-blown Favrile glass top mounted on a patinated gilt bronze hold...
Bronze
French 19th Century Tôle Painted and Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Amphora
Located in Sunshine, LA
Inspired by the archaeological treasures unearthed at Pompeii, this incredible tôle-painted urn recalls a tradition when Grand Tour travelers returned from Italy captivated by the be...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Antique Giltwood Candlesticks with Paw Feet, Neoclassical Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined pair of antique giltwood candlesticks showcasing elegant Neoclassical influence. Each candlestick features a tall, tapered column rising from a triangular base supported by...
Giltwood
19th Century pair of large black marble obelisks with pietra dura mosaic inlay
Located in London, GB
An impressive pair of large Ashford black marble "pietra dura" obelisks from the early C19th when there was great interest in the Grand Tour' decorative art style and keen tourists o...
Marble
Neoclassical Bronze Sculpture Diana the Huntress, F. Barbedienne 19th Century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Bronze Sculpture of Diana the Huntress, F. Barbedienne, 19th Century. A sensational French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated bronze statue of Diana the Huntress, signed by Ba...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Danish Box Circa 1850
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Danish box, circa 1850, is a remarkable piece crafted from walnut wood, showcasing fine craftsmanship typical of the era. The box features a smooth, polished surfac...
Walnut
Pair of Palatial Large Antique Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Urns
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of palatial large antique Italian neoclassical carved alabaster urns. Each urn is constructed in a tall baluster form rising from square plinth bases. The urns feat...
Alabaster
Wedgwood Cane Yellow Jasperware Vase, Neoclassical Cherubs, 12.5" Tall
By Wedgwood
Located in London, England
A beautiful and collectible small Jasperware vase crafted by the renowned English pottery manufacture, Wedgwood. While Wedgwood is famous for its iconic pale blue pieces, this vase f...
Jasper
Neoclassical Terracotta Bust of Young Roman Ephebe, 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Terracotta Bust of a Young Roman Ephebe, Signed “Amphora” — Neoclassical Style. This striking terracotta bust of a young Roman ephebe, signed “Amphora,” is a refined example of neoc...
Terracotta
$1,268Sale Price|20% Off
Landers, Frary & Clark Cast Iron Coffee Grinder/Mill
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a large and heavy Landers, Frary & Clark cast iron coffee grinder#20 1/2. It has a bell shaped nickel hopper with a flat wood lid and two...
Iron, Nickel
Tall English Traditional Ceramic Greyhound Dog Statue in White
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall ceramic dog statue in white with a red and black tassel collar. This handsome Greyhound will be fabulous on a mantle or bookshelf. It is created from ceramic and painted in wh...
Ceramic, Paint
French Opaline Glass Box Mounted in Brass and Sterling Silver, Circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and unusual French opaline glass box dating to the early 1900s, beautifully mounted in brass and sterling silver. This elegant decorative box features a keyhole and retains it...
Sterling Silver, Brass
$780Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century, Grand Tour Roman Revival Amphora Style Vase After Thomas Hope
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Roman Revival Vase Grand Tour Amphora Style, After Thomas Hope This 19th-century amphora-style vase is a superb example of Roman Reviv...
Ceramic
A Set Of Antique Carved Wooden Cartouche Moulds Ex. Tucker Collection
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of six antique carved wooden cartouche moulds from the Tucker collection. This is one of many moulds we are selling from this vast collection assembled by British make-up artis...
Wood, Hardwood, Boxwood, Fruitwood
Hand Carved Neoclassical Female Bust in White and Veined Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
An elegant, neoclassical-inspired female bust, hand-carved from white marble combined with veined marble in dark and ochre tones. The figure features a delicate, serene face, with he...
Marble
Solid Bronze Figurative Statue of a Warrior with a Spear on a Polished Marble
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The neo-classical bronze sculpture depicts a man in a poised, upright stance, holding a spear in one hand, embodying the strength and dignity of ancient heroes. Inspired by the early...
Marble, Bronze
Neoclassical Leather Wrapped Book Waste Pail Container
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage rare Neoclassical style leather wrapped book waste pail container. Perfect for your home office or library.
Leather
1930s Hubley Cast Iron Pink Basket of Roses and Phlox Floral Bouquet Doorstop
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage Hubley cast iron doorstop showing a bouquet of yellow and pink roses along with blue and pink colored phlox, held by a pink, handled...
Iron
Early 20th C Neoclassical Bisque Roman/Greek Figurine
Located in Malibu, CA
Neoclassical Parian porcelain bisque figurine of a female muse. Male figurine is available on a separate listing.
Porcelain
Tiffany & Co. Antique Neoclassical Bronze Compote Dish or Tazza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Neoclassical or Grand Tour style bronze compote dish or tazza By Tiffany & Co. Paris, France, Early 20th Century Measures: 7"W x 7"D x 5.75"H. Good original vi...
Bronze
18th Century French Straw Marquetry, 'Marqueterie de Paille' Work Box
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautiful 'as is' late 18th or early 19th century example of 'Marqueterie de Paille', or straw marquetry, work box. The top inlaid with a wonderful cityscape, with early architectu...
Straw
Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Iron Urns on Plinths
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century French Neoclassical style iron garden urns on plinths. These beautiful French cast iron campana garden urns, planters or jardi...
Iron
Vintage Classical Greek Style Bust Of Ajax
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by the enduring legacy of ancient Greek sculpture, this vintage bust of Ajax is a commanding decorative work that brings classical elegance to any interior. Expertly crafted...
Gold Plate
Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Porcelain Putti Compotes, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A remarkable pair of early-20th-century German porcelain compotes, each modeled with a sculptural putto supporting a deeply scalloped flower-f...
Porcelain
Pair Antique Flight Barr Barr Worcester Porcelain Plates Apple Green & Gold 1825
By Barr, Flight & Barr Worcester
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Flight, Barr, Barr Worcester porcelain plates was hand-painted at the Worcester factory, in England, circa 1825. They feature a vibrant apple green complemented by lavis...
Porcelain
$17,632
Antique Marble Bust of Venus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique over life-size bust of Venus. Thanks to her scale, this Neoclassical style handcarved marble sculpture of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, is very striking. Charac...
Marble, Statuary Marble
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daytona Dealer Wall Clock. Great As A Collection. We Have
Located in Buchanan, MI
This dealer clock is tested, and looks to be working. The clock face reads, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT-Master II Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". There are some s...
Stainless Steel
Antique Hand-Painted Opaline Footed Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful French 19th-century hand-painted porcelain jardinière / cachepot, made to coordinate with the matching pair of vases. The softly flared form is decorated with a finely de...
Porcelain
Pair Neoclassical Style Tole Palm Tree Topiaries, Attributed to Maitland-Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Neoclassical Style Tole Palm Tree Topiaries, Attributed to Maitland-Smith This striking pair of Neoclassical-style tole palm tree topiaries exemplifies the enduring appeal of c...
Stone, Metal
Pair Neoclassical Blanc de Chine Porcelain Urns, Attributed Nymphenburg, 20th C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Blanc de Chine Porcelain Covered Urns, Attributed to Nymphenburg, 20th Century Four pieces in set: two lids and two vases Dimensions: 19" H × 10" W (to handles)...
Porcelain
20.5" Italian Neoclassical Agate Ware Lidded Urns with Swags – Meiselman Imports
Located in St. Louis, MO
A striking, monumental pair of vintage Italian ceramic lidded urns imported by Meiselman Imports, executed in the Neoclassical taste, circa 1970s. These urns originate directly from...
Earthenware
Round Porcelain Vase Portugal 1970 Pink Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vase is in Porcelain., the colors are grey and brown. It has been done circa 1970, in Portugal by S.I.A witch is a famous editor. It is signed.
Stoneware
$1,147Sale Price / set|45% Off
Couple of 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Silvered Wooden Candlesticks
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of wooden candleholders with their beautiful silver leaf gilding. Italy, circa 1760-1800. Weathered and small losses Measurements are individual and include the iron peak....
Iron
$495Sale Price|54% Off
19th century French Neo-Greek Style Patinated Brass and Onyx Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
Handsome patinated brass urn converted into a lamp. Four laurel trees and ten different male and female figures, all in classical dress, in circle the urn which includes a pedestal o...
Onyx, Brass
Palatial Pair of French Empire Style Malachite And Bronze Mounted Obelisks
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 39 inches high x 9 inches wide x 9 inches deep. Truly outstanding palatial pair of Empire style malachite and bronze ormolu mounted obelisks, representing an extraordina...
Malachite, Bronze
Italian Stone Garden Sculpture of Roman Mythological Subject Bacchus
Located in Rome, IT
Finely carved mythological roman subject of Bacchus or Dionysus in limestone. Excellent condition from an estate of Veneto. Measurements: Statue cm 180, base cm 85. Price is not inc...
Limestone
Bronze sculpture depicting a bust of a satyr dating back to the 19th century ca.
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Bronze bust depicting a satyr, characterized by a marked theatrical and grotesque expressiveness. The face features a mocking smile with a slightly protruding tongue, while the obliq...
Marble, Bronze
American Brass Miniature Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass, New York. C. 1850
By James Mix
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass miniature carriage clock with beveled glass, carrying handle , and signed enamel over copper face with dial. Clock consists of time, strike,...
Brass, Copper, Enamel
19th Century French Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Gilt Metal & Marble
Located in Astoria, NY
French Gilt Metal Mounted Rouge Griotte Marble and Black Slate Mercury Compensated Mantel Clock, late 19th century, the circular brass dial with open escapement, the movement strike ...
Griotte Marble, Slate, Metal, Brass
Box in Burled Wood and Brass 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. Brown color.
Silk, Wood
Original Meissen Heart-Squeezing Cherub Hand Painted Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful figurine of a flush little cherub. He is sat on a grassy hill, squeezing two hearts together representing the merging of two people's loves and the possible agony...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Lidded Trinket Box with Neo Classical Relief
By Wedgwood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A refined Wedgwood blue jasperware lidded box, featuring the iconic matte periwinkle-blue ground with crisp applied white classical reliefs, a hallmark of Wedgwood’s neoclassical pro...
Ceramic
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 ...
Marble
Vintage Turned Wood Lidded Urn
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage lidded urn handcrafted in turned mahogany in a timeless classical form.
Wood, Mahogany
$1,900 / set
Neoclassical Grand Tour Malachite Obelisks, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautifully proportioned pair of malachite obelisks in richly veined shades of green and black. The sculptural silhouettes and naturally dramatic stone movement give the pair a qui...
Porcelain
19th c. Primitive Folk Art Paint Decorated Wood Candle Box With Smoke Pattern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century American folk art paint decorated wood candle box with smoke pattern design. With sliding lid. Useful for storage of small items. Measures 11 1/4" x 5 3/4" x 6 3...
Wood, Paint