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.
Patinated Bronze Three-Tier Muffin Dessert Stand or Display
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully hand-crafted bronze three-tiered dessert server, muffin stand, display, hors d' oeuvres service, or centerpiece. The piece features three graduated and scalloped tiers ...
Bronze
Early Wedgwood Neoclassical Creamware Dessert Dishes Made circa 1780
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A set of four early Wedgwood creamware Neoclassical dessert dishes made circa 1780. Sir William Hamilton’s Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman an...
Creamware
Cantagalli Antique Pottery Centerpiece Bowl Italian Majolica 16"
By Cantagalli
Located in Wilton, CT
Large antique Cantagalli Italian pottery centerpiece. Depicting a country village on one side and cherubs scheming opposite. 15 1/2" long, 11" wide...
Pottery
Antique Doccia Porcelain Italian Neoclassical Topographical Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique topographical porcelain teapot. By Doccia Porcelain Manufactory circa 1820. With painted enamel topographical scenes: each...
Porcelain
Vintage Tiffin Franciscan Byzantine Etched Crystal Wine Glasses set of 12
Located in Birmingham, AL
These wine glasses are exquisite glasses have ornate acid etching of an art deco design of swirls. What makes these glasses so beautiful is the ornate twisted stem, very rare find. ...
Crystal
Pair of Elkington & Co Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Jardiniere/Champagne Ice Buckets
Located in New York, NY
Fine pair of signed Elkington & Co gilt bronze Neoclassical Jardinière/Champagne ice buckets or wine coolers. Depicting new classical Roman figures and subjects with lions and leopar...
Gold, Bronze
Antique Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Candlesticks Creamer Sugar Teapot Bowl Compote
By Wedgwood
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique and vintage lot of Wedgwood Blue Jasperware featuring classic neoclassical Grecian themes with figures, animals, cherubs, flowers and trees in low relief. Made in England. ...
Porcelain
Antique American 1850 Blown Flint Glass Champagne Flutes, Set of 8
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of eight Antique American 1850 Blown Flint Glass Champagne Flutes. Very good original condition with no signs of repair.
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
Plateau in the Restauration Taste with Grape and Leaf Motifs
Located in New York, NY
French. Plateau in the Restauration taste with grape and leaf motifs, circa 1825. Ormolu and patinated bronze, with mirror plate and wood backing. Measures: 15 7/8 in. diameter, 3 11...
Bronze
Exceptional Royal Vienna Porcelain Vase
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional antique Royal Vienna porcelain vase featuring a beautiful portrait of Erblüht after the original painting by Angelo Asti, and fine raised gilt decorations over an iridesc...
Porcelain
Simon Pearce Hanover Flared Glass Centerpiece Bowl
By Simon Pearce
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Simon Pearce Hanover medium size handblown glass bowl. Versatile piece that can be as functional serveware for fruit or a stunning centerpiece on a coffee table ro dining ...
Blown Glass
Marble, Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Center, Neoclassical Style
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Marble, gilt bronze and cloisonné center, neoclassical style.
Marble, Bronze
Bailey, Banks and Biddle Sterling Silver Repoussé Bowl-9.5" Diameter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very handsome Bailey, Banks & Biddle sterling silver 9.5" diameter bowl with a scalloped edge. The body of the bowl has fine repousse of scrolled leaves. On the bottom it is clearly ...
Sterling Silver
Royal Copenhagen, Blue Fluted Plain. Set of porcelain sugar bowl and creamer.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, sugar bowl and creamer. Classic sugar bowl model 1/239 with matching creamer model 1/59 from Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted Plain service, crafted...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Blue Fluted Half Lace. Set of three coffee cups with saucers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Half Lace, set of three coffee cups with matching saucers. Classic set of three coffee cups with matching saucers from Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted Hal...
Porcelain
French Turn of the Century Neoclassical Style Sterling Silver Oval Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful French Turn-of-the-Century Neo Classical st. sterling silver oval plate, from Maison Odiot, stamped PR - Maison ODIOT PRÉVOST & ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Delft Maritime commemorative plate 'Zoutman', late 18th century
Located in DELFT, NL
A Delft blue and white commemorative ceramic plate depicting Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman (1724–1793), Holland, late 18th century. Painted in underglaze blue with a Dutch warship sa...
Earthenware, Delft
Set of Four Vintage Sterling Silver Napkin Rings, 1920s-1930s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An assembled set of four vintage wide band Sterling Silver napkin rings, various makers, circa 1920s – 1930s. Wonderful examples: A six-sided ring is engraved with the initials ‘JAS...
Sterling Silver
$999Sale Price|33% Off
Wrought Iron Wall Mount Wine Bottle Holder
Located in Redding, CT
Wrought Iron wall mount wine bottle holder. Holds 12 bottles total. Perfect for that rustic barn home or modern penthouse. Great unique gift for that sommelier , home made wine maker...
Iron
$522 / set
Chinese 20th Century Porcelain Tea Set
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 20th-century Chinese glazed porcelain tea set, comprising a teapot, a covered pot, and two matching cups. The set is distinguished by its vibrant orange color, highly decorative, c...
Porcelain
Folk Ceramic Butter Churn, Crock or Vase with Blue Stripe Decoration
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This fine ceramic butter churn or crock is in fine condition for its age. Its body is cream, with a fluted top. Two blue stripes decorate the body, all ...
Ceramic, Ironstone
Signed McWhorter Sculptural Art Pottery Covered Vessel with Surreal Wood Finial
Located in San Diego, CA
Signed McWhorter Sculptural Art Pottery Covered Vessel with Surreal Wood Finial, circa 2000. A captivating and highly unique example of contemporary American studio ceramics by Geor...
Wire
$4,725 / set
Set of Three Porcelain Tazze by Royal Vienna
Located in London, GB
Set of three porcelain tazze by Royal Vienna Austrian, early 20th century Larger tazza: Height 15cm, diameter 34cm Smaller tazze: Height 9cm, diameter 3...
Porcelain
Continental Covered Soup Tureen in Neoclassical Style with Bacchic Decoration
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A continental covered soup tureen in Neoclassical style with Bacchic décor on a deep eggplant ground. Transfer painted decorations unfold on the circular bowl and pedestal along with...
Glass
Over-sized Italian Hand Painted Neo-Classical Tole Oval Tray
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-century 1960s painted tray table, Made in Italy. The metal tray with vibrant colors of red and green with gilded trim and design accents and cut-out handles. The tray with three ...
Metal
Cut Crystal Dumbbell Knife Rest, American Classical, 1820-1840
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A cut crystal, faceted Dumbbell shaped knife rest, circa early to mid 19th Century. A large rest, meant to raise the blade of a carving knife from the table, to keep from soiling t...
Crystal
19th Century Porcelain Huqqa with Bird Paintings
Located in London, GB
This huqqa (or hookah) is a wonderful item which is crafted from porcelain and finely hand painted and parcel gilt. The huqqa was created in the late 19th century, most likely in Rus...
Porcelain
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
Wonderful French Bronze Diamond Cut Crystal Bronze Oval Centerpiece Swan Handles
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French neoclassical gilt bronze and diamond cut crystal oval centerpiece with swan handles in the manner of Baccarat, circa 1940s.
Crystal, Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Porcelain Reticulated Basket on Pedestal with Putti
Located in Elkhart, IN
A refined reticulated porcelain basket executed in a neoclassical idiom with delicate openwork, raised on a pedestal comprised of three putti dancing while holding floral garlands. T...
Porcelain
Reed and Barton Francis I Pattern Sterling Silver Serving Fork
Located in New York, NY
"This beautifully detailed and well balanced Reed and Barton Francis I Pattern Sterling Silver Serving Fork originates from the United States, ...
Sterling Silver
$10,126 / set
Two Russian Cut Glass and Silver Centrepiece Tazze
Located in London, GB
These exquisite tazze were created in Russia in the early 20th Century, between 1908-1917. The tazze can be used to serve canapés or sweetmeats, or enjoyed as purely decorative items...
Silver
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Italian Tole Black & Gold Lidded Urn Ice Bucket
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous vintage Mid-20th Century Italian black and gold tole lidded urn style ice bucket with a bakelite interior lining. Marked "Made In Italy" on reverse. This stylish ice bucke...
Tôle
(3) Three Wedgwood Porcelain 9" Heavily Gilt Decorated Plates Richard Briggs Co.
By Wedgwood
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wedgwood (English, founded 1759) for Richard Briggs Company (American, originally founded 1798-1946). A grouping of 3 Wedgwood for Richard Briggs & Company porcelain plates measurin...
Porcelain
19th Century German Meissen painted porcelain plaque
Located in London, GB
19th Century German Meissen painted porcelain plaque German, 19th Century Height 11cm, width 13.5cm, depth 1cm This charming painted porcelain plaque d...
Metal
Portuguese Silver Set of Four Identical Snuffer Trays
Located in London, GB
Portuguese silver set of four identical snuffer trays Portuguese, 19th Century Height 3cm, width 16cm, depth 10cm A quartet of splendidly crafted Portuguese silver snuffer trays, ...
Silver
Neoclassical Sterling Silver Bacchus Ice Bucket signed James Deakin & Sons
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the grandeur of a bygone era with this exquisite Neoclassical Sterling Silver Ice Bucket, crafted by the distinguished James Deakins and Sons in 19th century England. This op...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Serving Platter Cake Plate, Neoclassical
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elevate your dining collection with this stunning vintage continental-style fine porcelain serving platter or plate. Decorated with a striking central floral crest and a matching rep...
Porcelain
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
Antique Early 19th Century Spode Porcelain Pattern Number 2408 Tea Cup & Saucer
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Spode porcelain cup & saucer. Pattern no. 2408 Decorated throughout with a cobalt floral patttern and extensive gilding. Simply a great cup & saucer from Spod...
Porcelain
$80Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage KPM Creamer and Sugar Bowl Set, Hand-Painted Porcelain, 1960s
By Kerafina Royal Porzellan KPM
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a antique Bavaria creamer and sugar bowl set with heavy gold trim and a monogram. Stamped int he bottom KPM, Hand Stouffer Painted Dimensions: Creamer 5.5" D...
Porcelain
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid century silver plate five arm Candelabra a pair
Located in Birmingham, AL
Vintage late 70's, silver plate, 5-arm grande candelabrums, over copper. this gorgeous piece of silver. No maker's mark visible. Quality Craftsmanship. Constructed with a durable an...
Silver Plate
Golden Plated Hand Tea Spoon Set of Two Handcrafted Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Add an element of elegance and playfulness to your dinner table with our hand tea spoon. Handcrafted from metal and plated brass, its distinguishing feature is the anthropomorphic ha...
Metal, Gold Plate
1958 Georges Briard Bent Glass Olympia Serving Dishes w. Gold & Pink Decor
By Georges Briard, George Briard
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern two pieces of Georges Briard designed OLYMPIA pattern serving dishes with gold & plum/pink colors. Rare pattern of a gold center design of 3 seating Greek mus...
Glass
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Collection of Five 19th C Spongeware Mixing Pottery Bowls
By American Sponge Ware Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of Five 19th C Spongeware Mixing Bowls. This fine collection of blue spongeware pottery bowls are in good condition and sold as a group.
Pottery
Antique German Greek Key Rimmed Berry Bowls by Kpm, 1920s
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous set of ten Greek key rimmed berry bowls By KPM Porcelain Germany, Circa 1920s Measures: 5.38"W x 5.38"D x 1.25"H. Excellent original condition.
Porcelain
$1,723Sale Price|39% Off
Pair of silver plated champagne buckets ornated on the handles with lion faces.
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of champagne buckets ornated on the handles with lion faces is made of silver-plated . This is a French work. Circa 1970
Silver Plate
12 Heavily Gilt Encrusted Antique Green & Gold Minton England Dinner Plates
By Minton
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gorgeous set ! Please click on the pictures to see the detail and enlarge. Heavy raised paste gilding on a vibrant green collar and custom ordered through the fine Gilded Age Retai...
Gold, Enamel
Classic European Cut Crystal Decanter with Faceted Stopper, 14″ H
Located in Plainview, NY
Neoclassical style European Cut Crystal Decanter with Faceted Stopper This elegant cut crystal decanter features a beautifully balanced silhouette with a gently flared base, slend...
Crystal
Silver Plated and Leather Champagne Bucket, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice champagne bucket is made of silver plated and leather. This is a French work. Circa 1970 Additional Information: Material: Silver Plate, Leather Period: Circa 1970 Dimensi...
Silver Plate
Murano Blown Glass Neoclassic Chandelier Design by Carlo Scarpa Venini Official
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in murano, IT
Venini’s artistic director for more than a decade, Carlo Scarpa deeply influenced the company’s production, managing to merge his own intellectual vision with the highly refined tech...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,114Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Neoclassical Blue, Gilt Porcelain de Sèvres Vase, France
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique porcelain Sèvres Medaillon vase with a beau blue ground, gilt ornaments, leaves decoration surrounding the portrait in medallion. The vase is in original good condition with ...
Porcelain
$457Sale Price / set|25% Off
110 Vintage European Holiday Ornaments Snowmen Assemblage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
110 pcs Vintage European Christmas ornaments Snowmen, blown glass silvered inside and handpainted. With Fitz and Floyd ceramic Snowman bowl. Great arrangement for Holiday decor.
Blown Glass
Antique Gilt Bronze Gold Ormolu Neoclassical Decorative Fruit Cake Tazza Stand
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Gilt Bronze Gold Ormolu Neoclassical Decorative Fruit Cake Tazza Stand Continental Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: H x D: 18.5cm x 25cm This elegant gilt bronz...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Schulz & Fischer San Francisco Medallion Coin Silver Soup Ladle
By Schulz and Fischer
Located in New York, NY
American Medallion coin silver soup ladle, ca 1870. Ovoid and scalloped bowl; interior gilt with engraved stylized ornament. Curved and fluted stem with flowerhead knop and scroll mo...
Silver
A French Early 19th Century Agate Ware Pilgrim Flask, probably Apt
Located in Spencertown, NY
A disc-form pilgrim or moon flask, a flattened body, short trumpet neck on spreading circular foot with small creatures at the shoulders. The body is covered in a marbled agate-ware...
Faience
Royal Copenhagen, Blue Fluted Plain. Large round serving dish in porcelain 1920s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, model 1/108 Large round dish, 1920s. Large and decorative serving dish in the “Blue Fluted Plain” porcelain series, hand-painted in classic cobalt...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Blue Fluted Plain. Square porcelain serving bowl, 1980s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, model 1/26 Squared bowl, 1980s. Elegant squared bowl in the Blue Fluted Plain porcelain series with softly waved edges and hand-painted cobalt-blu...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Blue Fluted Plain. Square porcelain serving bowl, 1980s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, model 1/26. Squared bowl, 1990s. Elegant squared bowl in the Blue Fluted Plain porcelain series with softly waved edges and hand-painted cobalt-bl...
Porcelain