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.
Minton Hollins 8-inch Neoclassical Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed 8-inch clay tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped to reverse) illustrated with a scene from Shakespeare’s 1593 poem ‘Venus and Adonis’. Inspired by Greek mythology, the ...
Clay
Antique Mythological Tile by Minton Hollins
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 8-inch clay tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped to reverse) illustrated with a mythological scene from Shakespeare’s 1593 poem ‘Venus and Adonis’. Inspired by Greek myth...
Clay
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
$3,125 / set
Pair of Italian Giltwood Alter Sticks
Located in Vista, CA
Fourth quarter 19th century, in the neoclassical taste, the baluster-form standards decorated with acanthus leaves and fitted with flaring drip pans and pricket candle holders, raise...
Giltwood
French classical Marble mantle clock, C19th
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This elegant 19th-century French classical mantle clock, crafted from white marble, features an 8-day striking movement, showcasing both beauty and functionality. The clock is adorne...
Marble
pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Crystal candlesticks. Each charming candlestick is raised on foliate Ormolu bun feet below a l...
Crystal, Ormolu
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
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
$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
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
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 French Terracotta Statue of Boy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely-sculpted terracott figure of boy playing violin. Sit on a separate French dore bronze finely-cast base.
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Classical Female Nude Piper
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century bronze statue of a female nude statue playing the pipes, mounted on a marble plinth.
Bronze
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
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
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. White Carrara Marble Candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu, patinated bronze and white Carrara marble candlesticks. The pair are each raised by a circular base with a moulded ...
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Style Bronze and Ormolu Decorative Ewers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. silvered bronze and ormolu decorative ewers. Each ewer is raised on an ormolu circular raised ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Italian 19th Neoclassical Scagloiola and Ormolu Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. Scagliola and ormolu urn. The urn is raised by a square base below the mottled socle shaped pedestal su...
Ormolu
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