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.
Italian Maiolica Pharmacy Flasks Felice Clerici, Milan Circa 1770-1780
Located in Milano, IT
Two maiolica pharmacy flasks Milan, Felice Clerici Manufacture, 1770-1780 They each measure 9.44 in (24 cm) in height x 6.10 in (15.5 cm) in diameter l...
Maiolica
Pair of Antique Jacob Petit Type French Porcelain Figural Perfume Bottles
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Jacob Petit
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of French porcelain figural perfume bottles. Each in the form of a lady - one is garbed in a pink dress with green shawl and the other in yellow dress with red shawl. Both rest atop a rectangular plinth with gilt accents. Simply a wonderful pair of Jacob Petit type figurines! Date: Early 19th Century Overall Condition: They are in overall fair, as-pictured, used estate condition. Condition Details: Each lacks its figural stopper (likely hats), there are chips and losses to the bases of each (especially at the corners), and each has rubbing to the gold throughout. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Measurements: Pink & Green Figurine...
Porcelain
$418Sale Price / set|30% Off
NEO-CLASSIC Swedish Scent Perfume Bottle In Cobalt Glass And 925 Sterling Silver
By Mema
Located in Miami, FL
A perfume scent bottle made in Sweden. Very beautiful and lovely perfume scent bottle, created in the city of Lidköping Sweden by the MeMa Sterling Co. back in the 1975. The bottle has been made in cobalt blue glass with a fitting lid and a removable frame, crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling. The sterling cover was made up in the neo-classic empire style with multiple floriated garlands patterns. Note: This bottle may be also used as a vinegar or olive oil dispenser...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Cristal Saint Louis Ivoire de Balmain Collectible Perfume Decanter/Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Cristal Saint Louis cut crystal decanter of Ivoire de Balmain perfume. The bottle is urn shaped and it is a faceted clear crystal. There is...
Crystal
Rare 1915 “Ice Blue” Coca-Cola Bottle Embossed, Reed Glass, Patent Nov. 16, 1915
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare 1915 “Ice Blue” Coca-Cola Bottle Embossed, Reed Glass, Patent Nov. 16, 1915 A beautifully preserved and exceptionally rare example of early Coca-Cola bottle design, this 1915 “...
Glass
Pair of Ruby Decanters with Lids.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Elegant Pair of Ruby Crystal Decanters with Lids. Bohemia, circa 1880. Dimensions: Height 12 1/4" Diameter 7" CW5573
Crystal
Tiffany Silver Spirit Flask
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A large American silver spirit flask, by Tiffany & Co., circa 1880, Edward C Moore era, one side chased with hunting scenes, the reverse with cartouche on...
Silver
Collection of 12 French Neoclassic Camphor Cosmetic Containers, 2ndq 19th cent.
Located in Atlanta, GA
the collection of canisters consisting of six bottle containers and six powder containers, remaining powders and liquids in some of the canisters, measurement is of largest bottle
Wood
Beautiful Tall Vintage Crystal Decanter/Bottle 1920s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful crystal bottle made in Italy 1950s.
Crystal, Silver
Pair of Sevres Hand Painted Turquoise Porcelain Lidded Urns
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pair of Sevres hand painted porcelain turquoise lidded urns. Both of them are depicting in the front a sea shore fishermen scenes. In one, a group of fishermen are preparing a sailboat and in the other one, they are pulling the net. The back are adorned with some gilt fishing tools and baskets with foliages. Both scenes are golden framed with scrolls of acanthus and flowers beside them. Gilt white concave long oval shaped rings alternated with gilt foliages and shamrocks decorate the necks of the urns. The same pattern are repeated in the lids, but no white color in the center. The bell shaped lids ended with pinecones finials. A mix of scrolls and Greek keys serve as handles. The round bases are also decorated with gilt foliages. The Sevres hallmark appears in the lids and below the bases. One of the urn’s painting...
Porcelain
$521
H 5.52 in Dm 6.7 in
Midcentury Italian cut glass perfume bottle, decanter or vanity accessory, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Large curvaceous perfume bottle with bevel / faceted decorative detailing to the top. Complimented with matching hexagonal faceted stopper.
Glass
$1,361
H 3.55 in W 1.19 in D 0.87 in
19th Century Small Gold and Porcelain Scent Perfume Bottle in Box
Located in Delft, NL
19th century small porcelain scent perfume bottle in case Porcelain bottle with white and blue painted union pattern The gold mounting on the bottle is marked with the Dutch gold...
Gold
French Porcelain Perfume Bottle
By Jacob Petit
Located in New Orleans, LA
A bird in flight adorns this charming perfume bottle attributed to famed French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. It is exemplary of the opulent artistry for which Petit is renowned, from...
Porcelain
$700Sale Price|54% Off
H 4.73 in Dm 3.94 in
Antique Three Perfumes Scent Bottles In Mother of Pearl and Silver Metal Heart
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage Set of 3 Perfume / Snuff Bottles – Handmade Seashell with Silver Inlay, Mother of Pearl Finish This exquisite set of three vintage perfume or snuff bottles is a rare and unique collectible, beautifully handcrafted from natural seashell with a lustrous mother of pearl finish. Each bottle is adorned with intricate silver metalwork, showcasing ornate patterns and decorative detailing that transform these bottles into true works of art. The bottles are not only decorative but also functional, as they have been tested and confirmed to be waterproof. Their heart-shaped and rounded forms combined with the shimmering pearlescent shell make them an eye-catching display piece, ideal for collectors of antique perfume bottles, vintage snuff boxes, or mother of pearl collectibles. In very good vintage condition, this handmade shell and silver bottle set makes a striking addition to any antique collection, home décor, or gift for a collector of unique treasures. Perfect for display in a curio cabinet, vanity table, or as part of a vintage perfume bottle collection. vintage perfume bottles, antique snuff bottles, seashell bottles, mother of pearl perfume...
Alabaster, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Italian Creamware Lion Mask Cachepot
Located in New York, NY
Italian creamware lion mask cachepot.. Antique neoclassical creamware soup tureen cachepot with three ringed lion masks supported on tripod tapering legs with lion paw feet on circul...
Creamware
Victorian Equestrian Miniature Perfume or Scent Bottle
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Miniature perfume or scent bottle in crystal and ornate brass. Made in Europe, probably England circa 1850-1890. It features a horseshoe and it has a...
Brass
Sterling Silver And Brilliant Cut Lay Down Perfume Bottle
Located in Norwood, NJ
Finest quality and rare brilliant cut glass and sterling silver lay down perfume bottle/vial. Top of repoussé sterling silver by Alexander Clar...
Crystal, Cut Steel
Pair of Antique Old Paris Hand Painted Jacob Petit Vases
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of antique Old Paris hand painted Jacob Petit vases, circa 1850. Jacob Pettit was a porcelain maker and decorator in 19th century France. His wo...
Porcelain
Art Deco Heinrich Hoffmann Intaglio Perfume Scent Bottle
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning Art Deco perfume bottle is attributed to Heinrich Hoffmann, a master Czech glassmaker known for his exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring elegant intaglio floral motifs,...
Glass, Art Glass
$764
H 4 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
Delightful Sapphire Blue Czech Crystal Cushion Shaped Perfume Bottle circa 1930s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Delightful sapphire blue Czech crystal cushion shaped perfume bottle with dabber Vintage Bohemian, Czech crystal, circa 1930s Measure...
Glass
French Victorian Porcelain Perfume Bottle
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian white porcelain square perfume bottle (top as is)
Sold
H 3 in W 9.25 in D 15 in
Vintage Coca Cola 1996 Olympic City Complete Collectors Coke Bottle Set 15"
Located in Dayton, OH
1996 Coca Cola Atlanta Olympic City collector bottle set. 22 of 1996. Dimensions: 15" x 9 1/4" x 3"
Glass, Hardwood
Gold and Enamel Scent Bottle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional enameling and gold detailing distinguish this diminutive French scent flask. Figurative panels emerge from a rich ground of black enamel and gilt decoration to reveal a s...
Gold, Enamel
Ice Glass Champagne Cooler, circa 1880
By Boston and Sandwich Glass Company
Located in London, GB
Ice Glass' champagne cooler, circa 1880 An unusual ‘Ice Glass’ champagne cooler made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass company circa 1880. The jug has a fluted rim and a braided g...
Glass
Gold and Enamel Scent Bottle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional enameling and gold detailing distinguish this diminutive French scent flask. A beloved scene throughout art history, an image of Atlanta and Me...
Gold, Enamel
Vintage Decorative Baccarat Decanter/ Bottle 1950s
By Baccarat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorative Baccarat decanter/bottle made in 1950s signed at the bottom.
Crystal
French Enamel Perfume Bottle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional enameling adds an elegant touch to this exquisite French perfume bottle. Crafted with fine yellow gold accents, this petite perfume ...
Enamel
Antique Pair of Large Terracotta Ewers Made in France, circa 1820
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this pair of large terracotta ewers designed in the light-hearted manner of Clodion (1738-1814). They show a Bacchic scene of drunken merrymaking with maidens...
Terracotta
Glass Water Bottle Five Gallon Blue 1950s Demijohn Midcentury
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Glass five gallon water bottle or demijohn from Shamrock Water Company. Believed to be from the 1950s in Oklahoma. This piece would be great to add height to a coffee table, or crede...
Glass, Paper