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.
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 Antique Jacob Petit Type French Porcelain Figural Perfume Bottles
By Jacob Petit, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
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
Antique American Cobalt Blue Glass Bottle 14”
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful deep cobalt blue American antique glass bottle, 14” tall.
Blown Glass
$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
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
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
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
Beautiful Tall Vintage Crystal Decanter/Bottle 1920s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful crystal bottle made in Italy 1950s.
Crystal, Silver
$600 / set
Pair of Hand Cut Crystal Decanters
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Pair of Hand Cut Crystal Decanters featuring deep geometrical & symmetrical cuts. Robust body with a heavy base. Restoration on the upper part of the lip on one of the dec...
Crystal
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
$1,400
H 9 in W 26 in D 15.5 in
19th Century French Neoclassical Patinated Bronze Oval Jardiniere with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Dress a dining table, console, or entry with this elegant antique bronze jardinière. Crafted in France circa 1880, the oval vessel rests on four finely cast scrolled feet adorned wit...
Bronze
$1,331
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
$2,100 / set
H 23.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Painted and Gilt Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a buffet with this elegant pair of antique urns from Paris. Crafted circa 1890 and signed on the bottom, each tall neoclassical vase features a long neck with side handles. The "Porcelaine de Paris" urns are gilt hand painted with a central medallion of classical decor...
Porcelain
Deep Cobalt Blue Murano Glass Vase, signed
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Beautiful cobalt blue Murano glass vase.
Murano Glass
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
$3,650 / set
H 20 in W 11.25 in D 11.25 in
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
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
$1,995 / set
H 12 in Dm 6.75 in
Pair of French Neoclassical 19th Century Baluster Urns with Low-Relief Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Neoclassical zinc baluster urns from the 19th century with low-relief décor. This pair of French Neoclassical zinc baluster urns from the 19th century captivates wit...
Zinc
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Granite Urns
Located in Palm Springs, CA
18th-19th century, each urn formed from a solid block of reddish, grey and black stone and of typical lidded form, granite, 24 in., generally good condition, scattered minor base chi...
Stone, Granite
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
ART DECO ANTiQUE STERLING SILVER PERFUME BOTTLE IN ROUND CUT GLASS CRYSTAL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this medium sized Art Deco Antique cut glass Crystal Perfume bottle flask with sterling silver cap A very ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Scent or Perfume Bottle with Chased Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique perfume bottle is signed by an unknown English maker and dates to approximately 1898 and done in the period Victorian style. The bottle is done in sterling silver with a...
Sterling Silver
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