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.
George III Silver Lusterware Vase
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vase of attenuated proportions was given an unusual silver-luster glaze, and embellished with two medallions on a military theme. One depicts a young soldier with a swor...
Porcelain
Large Pair of South American/Mexican Dore Bronze 18th Century Candleholders
Located in New York, NY
A pair of neoclassical monumental finely cast and chased dore bronze early 18th century south American/Mexican single light candleholders. These are a monumental pair of candle holde...
Bronze
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 Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
This mantel clock is a wonderful piece of French Neoclassical design. It is an unusual and very beautiful item, which has been expertly crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu). The clock will add elegance and sophistication to a mantelpiece. The clock features a table-form body which is topped by a classical urn. The urn is crowned by a pomegranate finial and mounted with twin handles in the shape of rams’ heads with rings in their mouths. The urn is decorated with twisted and cabled fluting, a belt draped with foliate swags, panelled motifs and a ropework band. The urn stands on a table-shaped body which is surmounted by outward-pointing pinecone finials and laurel branches. The stepped tabletop has scalloped corners and is decorated with an egg-and-dart and leaf-and-dart band, as well as a central Green Man mask. This top is supported on six legs which feature leafy scrolled tops draped with swags and hoof feet. Between the legs, there is a drum clock...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Rare C19th Bronze Coat Of Arms
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A rare and well defined mid C19th large bronze coat of arms featuring the family crest flanked by rampant lions, mounted on later oak plinth. Good rich patination. Originally adorni...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Bronze and Marble Figural Candelabras
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely chased figures of boy and girl. The bases re 4" x 4".
Marble, Bronze
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
17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus
Located in Esbeek, NL
Late 17th century wooden bust of the Greek poet Homerus. Damage on the right side of the bust, see picture.
Wood
$7,500 / set
Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Not sure if paint is original. Finely carved and unusual. From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Wood, Paint
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child. We also have other bust of various subject. Feel free to call with further questions.
Terracotta
Pair of Antique Monumental Cast Iron and Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique monumental cast iron and gilt bronze candelabra French, late 19th Century Height 219cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm This exceptional pair of monumental candelabra is ...
Bronze, Iron
Italian 19th century Stone allegorical statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and most decorative Italian 19th century Stone allegorical statue. This stunning classic female figure is raised on a square Stone base with cut corners. She is leaning o...
Stone
19th Century Italian Giltwood Handled Jardineres/Planters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved and finely detailed giltwood planters with metal/tolle insert to catch water. The base is 8.5" x 8.5"
Metal
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
19th Century Neoclassical Marble Bust of a Boy, French
Located in Phoenix, 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
$11,595 / set
Pair of Sevres Style Blue And Gold Vases
Located in GB
A extremely decorative pair of Sevres style vases in blue and gold. Intricately hand painted in great detail showing reclining figures at leisure in a landscape setting. Idyllic and ...
Porcelain
$12,500
German Porcelain Snuff Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important German porcelain snuff box exhibits delightful artistry and craftsmanship. Hand painted classical tableau celebrating the e...
Porcelain
Antique Russian Sewing Box, Dated 1828
Located in Sarasota, FL
An antique Russian sewing box made of bone, dated 1828 on the lid. Decorated with an etched trailing foliage pattern and topped with original green pin cushion. Lined with original g...
Bone, Fabric, Paper
Pair of Bronze and Marble Candelabras, France, 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of bronze and marble candelabras, France, 19th century.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Doré Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unusual and very finely chased. Caryatid motif. Doré bronze.
Bronze
Pair of Old Paris Platinum Vases
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional French 19th century neo-classical st. Baccarat crystal and ormolu vase. The vase is raised by handsome paw feet below the circular ormolu base with a fine mottled bord...
Crystal, Ormolu
French early 19th century white Carrara, Griotte marble and Ormolu clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and most attractive French early 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara, Rouge Griotte marble and Ormolu clock, attributed to Étienne Maurice Falconet. This wonderf...
Carrara Marble, Griotte Marble, Ormolu
18th Century Italian Saint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara. Slight chipping in silver leaf on back side. Beautifully detailed.
Silver Leaf
Very Fine Bust of Lady on Wooden Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine bust of a classical lady on wooden base signed Cognel. Dated 1884 Dimensions: Height 26.5", width 19.5", depth 13". CW4125.
Plaster
$2,784Sale Price|20% Off
Restauration Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing Hera
Located in 263-0031, JP
A mantel clock from the French “Restauration” era of 1815-1830 in fire-gilt bronze. The dial is enamelled white and the hours are depicted with Roman numerals. The figure represents ...
Bronze
Set of Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Decorative set of two large gilt bronze figural wall sconces by Gherardo Degli Albizzi. Female figure is characterized by a very rich veget...
Bronze
19th Century Marble Statue of Aristedes, Signed by Giacomo Cali
Located in Long Island City, NY
This Italian Neoclassical white marble sculpture is signed by the Neopolitan artist Giacomo Cali. The sculpture is of Aristedes (530–468 BC), the ancient Athenian statesman and general in the Greco-Persian Wars...
Marble
French Silvered Bronze and Ormolu Neoclassical Style Mantel Clock by Beurdeley
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in London, GB
This charming antique French mantel clock is crafted by famous French maker, Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919). The work is rendered in the eleg...
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Five-Arm Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very attractive and large pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. five arm candelabras. The pair in ormolu and patinated bronze are raised on a circular base with a chiseled ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Gilt Bronze Mounted Krater-Form Bisque Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of gilt bronze mounted krater-form bisque porcelain vases French, 19th century Measures: Height 43cm, diameter 26.5cm The pair of vases...
Ormolu, Bronze
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze, Marble, & Ormolu Bust of Marianne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, silvered bronze, ormolu, Rosso Verona and white Carrara marble bust of Marianne in full armor. The bust is raised by a thick Rosso Verona marble base with an elegant scalloped shape adorned with richly chased masks and swaging berried laurel garlands and centered by a striking fitted ormolu plaque...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
17th Century Italian Carving of Scholar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.
Wood
Classical Style Italian Green Marble Ewer Vase with Pedestal
Located in London, GB
Classical style Italian green marble ewer vase with pedestal Italian, 19th Century Height 114cm, width 38cm, depth 37cm This decorative Italian ewer has b...
Marble
$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
$3,850 / set
19th Century French Dore Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely chased Dore Bronze with the caryted motif.
Bronze
$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
Pair of 19th Century Italian Poly-Chromed Iron Standing Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finley wrought iron with hints of the original poly-chrome finish. Nicely waxed finish. Too small leaves missing, but barely noticeable. Bottom is 17" x 17".
Iron
Late 18th Century Sandstone Bust in Classical Greco-Roman Dress
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Late 18th century neo-classical style hand-carved sandstone bust of a lady in classical Greco-Roman dress. Possibly a depiction of Daphne who was a Naiad n...
Sandstone
19th Century Pair of Italian Bronze Grand Tour Urns
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair of Italian Bronze Grand Tour Urns. Gorgeous design, see photos.
Marble, Bronze
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
Pair Of French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Bronze, Ormolu & Marble Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated Bronze, Ormolu and Noir de Sablé marble candelabras. Each two arm candelabra is raised b...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers 1788
Located in Dallas, TX
a beautifully modeled antique terra cotta sculpture after the bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers (French, 1788-1856) depicting Louis II of Bourbon, Prince of Condé (1621-1686), kn...
Marble
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Sienna Marble Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Sienna marble urns. Each urn is raised on a square base with ormolu foliate border. on th...
Siena Marble, Ormolu
$1,824Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Gilded Bronze Candlesticks from French Restauration Era
Located in 263-0031, JP
A pair of candlesticks in chiselled fire-gilt bronze from the French Empire or early Restauration Era. The pair, exemplifying the neoclassical iconography so popular in the Napoleoni...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Blue Lapis Lazuli Clock with Bust of Molière
Located in London, GB
A gilt bronze and blue lapis lazuli clock with bust of Molière French, circa 1830 Measures: Height 61cm, width 27cm, depth 13cm This exquisite French mantel clock originates fr...
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century White Marble Group of Two Cherubs by A. Duché
By A. Duche
Located in London, GB
19th century white marble group of two cherubs by A. Duché French, late 19th century Measures: Height 71cm, width 42cm, depth 26cm This exquisite white marble group is modelled ...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Neoclassical Mantel Clock in Ormolu and Sevres Style Porcelain by Ernest Royer
By Ernest Royer
Located in London, GB
This splendid neoclassical style French mantel clock is beautifully crafted in ormolu and porcelain decorated in the Sevres style. 'ER', the mark of French clockmaker Ernest Royer, active in the later 19th Century, is stamped on the underside of the ormolu mounts. There are three Sevres style porcelain plaques in total, all set on turquoise ground: the plaque to the front of the clock depicts a cherub and a nymph as well as containing the clock face with Roman numerals. The two sides of the clock case feature further porcelain plaques, which portray Neptune, Aurora and mermaids. The rectangular ormolu clock case is surmounted by a putto with a dog. There is a neoclassical pilaster...
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Candelabras Aux Victoires
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality true pair of French 19th century neo-slassical st. ormolu, patinated bronze and Porphyry electrified candelabras Aux Victoires. Each candelab...
Porphyry, Ormolu
Silver Gilt Portland Vase by Elkington & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent silver-gilt Portland vase was crafted by the pioneering silversmithing firm of Elkington & Co. The iconic classical scenes are chase...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze, Glass, and Ormolu Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and glass urns. Each urn is raised by a square base with a fine mottled wrap around ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble bust of a lady, named La Sulamitide, on the original Vert de Patricia marble pedestal column. The maiden has fi...
Marble
Pair 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Candelabra, Neoclassical Design
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century Pair French Grand Tour Bronze Candelabra. Beautiful design, see photos.
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Candelabras
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and marble, three arm candelabras. Each candelabra is raised by a triangu...
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Statue of Mercury
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statue of Mercury, possibly by F. Barbedienne. The statue is raised on i...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Granite Lidded Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. granite lidded urns. Each urn is raised by a circular mottled base and socle pedestal. The body displays an elegant shape an...
Granite
Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality pair of Continental 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and Rouge Griotte marble statues, signed J. Feiffer. Each statue is raised by a fine t...
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Vert Patricia Marble and Ormolu Clock
By Jollet & Cie
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century neo-classical st. Vert Patricia marble and ormolu clock, signed Jollet & Cie. The clock is raised by a square stepped base with a finely chased pierced...
Marble, Ormolu
English gilt metal mounted tortoise shell box with oil painting of Caesar
Located in Buchanan, MI
English gilt metal mounted tortoise shell box with oil painting of Julias Caesar.
Metal
$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