Neoclassical Jars
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.
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Delft
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Delft, Faience
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Delft
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Delft, Faience
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Metal
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
1830s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
1790s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Metal, Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Brass
1790s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Faience
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Jars
Delft, Faience
1970s English Vintage Neoclassical Jars
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Jars
Faience
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Jars
Majolica
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Silver, Other
20th Century French Neoclassical Jars
Silver
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Silver
1840s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Silver
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Jars
Ceramic
19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Silver
Early 1800s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Silver
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Jars
Copper, Zinc
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Jars
Porcelain
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Jars
Art Glass
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Jars
Stone
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Jars
Pottery