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.
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver Tableware Serveware Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Indulge in the timeless charm of this early 20th-century North American sterling silver serveware pitcher by Bigelow Kennard & Company, Bos...
Sterling Silver
Museum Quality Neo-Grec Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Ewer by Edward C. Moore
Located in New York, NY
This Neo-Grec sterling silver Ewer from Tiffany & Co., crafted by the renowned silversmith Edward C. Moore, is a remarkable example of 19th-century American artistry. Produced by Moo...
Sterling Silver
Large 1950s Fenton Hobnail Large Milk Glass Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hobnail pattern white milk glass pitcher, Fenton Art Glass Company, circa 1950s. The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 in Martins Ferr...
Milk Glass
A small pitcher depicting Ancient Greek motif, Musée du Louvre, signed, 20th c
Located in View Park, CA
A small ceramic pitcher featuring Ancient Greek motif - « Young Men and Girls Banqueting » - from circa 480 BC, made in Greece probably 20th century, signed by artist, and was once s...
Ceramic
English Neoclassical Jasperware Pitcher by Copeland
By Copeland
Located in New York, NY
A light green and white raised relief Jasperware pitcher by Copeland, in the Neoclassical style, circa 19th century, England. Beautiful as a standal...
Stoneware, Pottery
COPELAND - Jasperware Pitcher with Royal Portrait Medallions - U.K. - Circa 1850
By Copeland
Located in Chatham, ON
COPELAND - Rare early Neoclassical style antique jasperware pitcher - massive size - featuring 36 royal portrait medallions to the exterior - continuous applied laurel leaf borders t...
Ceramic
North American Sterling Silver Tableware Serveware Pitcher
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Indulge in the timeless charm of this Mid 20th-century North American sterling silver serveware pitcher by Frank M Whiting Co, crafted in 1...
Sterling Silver
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Jasperware Pitcher with Blue and White Applications, Neoclassical Motif
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Neoclassical pitcher in blue Jasperware. Decorated with sprig molded accents and cherub scenes. The interior is glazed. There is wear to the handle with some loss of color. The pewte...
Ceramic
Circa 1930 Continental Lobe Panel Cut Water Pitcher
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1930 lobe panel cut water pitcher, Continental. Circle cut neck panel & applied handle. From a Milanese wedding. Hand blown & cut. 7.75" h., 7.5" over handle, 4.25" dia. White...
Cut Glass
Wedgwood Crimson Jasperware Pitcher
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking Wedgwood crimson dip bas-relief covered jug features an applied white jasper neoclassical decoration of grapevines bordering the rim. De...
Pottery
Gorham Coin Silver Water Pitcher in Classic Medallion Pattern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Medallion coin silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Globular bowl on raised and stepped foot; tall straight neck and helmet mouth. Straight and high-looping h...
Silver
Early Wedgwood Egyptian Revival Neoclassical Rosso Antico Coffee Pot
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Wedgwood rosso antico coffee pot made ca. 1810. The pot's red body is accentuated by black basalt details in the Egyptian Revival style. Developed by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1760s, rosso antico famously exhibits the Egyptian Revival style that became popular in the early 19th century during Napoleon...
Earthenware
Wedgwood Jasperware Pitcher Sage Green and White in the Neoclassical Style
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
An English sage green and white Jasperware matte stoneware pitcher by Wedgwood in the Neoclassical style, circa early-20thth century, England. Pitcher has a white raised relief of gr...
Stoneware
Neoclassical George III period silver wine ewer made in London in 1800
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1800 by William Bennett, this handsome, Antique, George III period, Sterling Silver Wine Ewer, is plain in design, with reed borders and a wooden handle. The ...
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Jasperware small Vase Classical Putti Figures fully Marked, 19thC
By Wedgwood
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Jasperware stoneware small Blue and white vase, made by Wedgwood, England and dating to the 19th Century. The vase has a classical baluster shape tapering into the n...
Pottery, Stoneware
Spanish Silver and Glass Jug
Located in Atlanta, GA
A magnificent crystal & silver decanter. France, circa 1900. Dimensions: height 14 1/2" diameter 7". CW4990.
Silver
Wedgwood Jasperware Pitcher Neoclassical Style
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
An authentic English sage green and white Jasperware matte stoneware pitcher by Wedgwood in the Neoclassical style, 1955, mid-20thth century, England. Pitcher has a white raised reli...
Stoneware
Collection of Three 19th Century Ironstone Water Pitchers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These three white 19th century ironstone water pitchers are great to use for vases of flowers or just display with your ironstone collection. All in mint condition.
Ironstone
Fenton Large Milk Glass Hobnail Pitcher With Ice Lip
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and heavy Hobnail Milk Glass Pitcher with an Ice Lip, Fenton Art Glass, circa 1950s. The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 in Ma...
Milk Glass
Red and Black FDR's Fala Scotty Dog American Glass Pitcher, circa 1930-1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming Pre midcentury pitcher, American clear glass, circa late 1930s-early 1940s. The Scotty dog glass collectible craze began when President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish Te...
Glass
19th Century Large Civil War Era Bronze and Tin Pitcher
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a fabulous historic treasure of times past, namely, a 19th century large Civil War Era bronze and tin pitcher. From circa 1850, this is an American frontier piece. I...
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Tin
Signed Copper and Brass Pitcher with Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pitcher of hammered brass with a copper lip and fittings. The piece is a compliment to any shelf, work station or garden area. Water your plants or serve delicacies, from...
Brass, Copper
$120Sale Price|59% Off
Crystal Cut with Silver-plate Wayer Jug
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage water jug in cut crystal with silverplate handle and cover.
Crystal
George III Neo Classical Wine Ewer by John Rowbotham & Co, Sheffield, 1774
Located in London, GB
A rare George III Neo Classical Water/Wine Ewer made in Sheffield in 1774 by John Rowbotham & Company. This beautiful Jug stands on a square pedestal foot, with four ball feet. The ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique Gorham American Classical Silver Ewers
By Starr & Marcus, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of striking midcentury Classical coin silver ewers. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Each: Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised foot. On...
Silver
1950s Steuben Glass Cream Pitcher
Located in Raleigh, US
Steuben Hand Blown Glass Elegant Footed Cream Pitcher This exquisite hand-blown glass cream pitcher by Steuben epitomizes mid-century modern elegance. Standing 6.5 inches tall, its ...
Crystal
Wedgwood Crimson Covered Jug
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely crimson jasperware jug by Wedgwood, featuring an applied white jasper neoclassical decoration of acanthus leaves and grapes bordering the rim. ...
Ceramic, Pottery
19th Century EAPG Pitcher
Located in High Point, NC
Interesting glass pitcher with Roman soldier artwork on beautifully beaded glass. Glass beads throughout, blended with textured surfaces and abstract artwork. The pattern features th...
Glass
$4,700
Wedgwood Encaustic Ewer
By Wedgwood
Located in Sarasota, FL
Wedgwood basalt encaustic ewer with ancient Greek inspired decoration on both sides. The shape is also inspired by a Greek wine jug, known as...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Two silver pitchers set. Benito Gómez, Antonio. Segovia, Spain, 1831-1835.
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of pitcher jugs. Silver. BENITO GOMEZ, Antonio (1775-1835). Segovia, Spain, 1801-1835. With contrast markings. Pair of spouted jugs with a circular base with moldings, a low conical foot and a tubular body finished in a hemisphere at the bottom and with a flat molding at the top; the handle, in double ce, presents a simple scroll or branch that rests towards the mouth of the piece; the beak shows a simple decoration. Typologically, this pair is linked to a type of spouted jug that, with variations, is common in Hispanic domestic silverware from the first half of the 17th century to the beginning of the 18th century, also found after this date. As usual, the civil model was quickly assimilated by religious silverware, especially for its use in liturgical cruets. Antonio Benito Gómez (1775-1835) was a silversmith who worked in Segovia from at least 1801 until he died, and was also a silver marker carved between 1824 and 1828, and between 1831 and 1835. Son of the silversmith Juan de la Cruz Benito , several works by his hand have been preserved: baptismal shell...
Silver