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.
$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
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 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
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
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
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 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