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.
Mid-Century Hand-Crafted and Hand-Painted Hardwood American Duck Decoy
Located in Germantown, MD
An Mid Century, large, Hand-crafted and Hand-Painted American life size Duck Decoy measuring 20" in width, 9" in depth and 13" in height.
Hardwood, Paint
Mid-Century Hand-Crafted and Hand-Painted American Duck Decoy
Located in Germantown, MD
An Mid Century, large, Hand-crafted and Hand-Painted American life size Duck Decoy measuring 21" in width, 9" in depth and 9.5" in height.
Ceramic, Plaster
$395
H 8 in W 17 in D 5.5 in L 8 in
Hand Carved Large Vintage Antique Wood Duck Decoy Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color and texture. From an impressive Los Angeles vintage duck and antique swan decoy...
Wood, Paint
Art Deco French Hand Painted Wood Duck Decoy
Located in Austin, TX
Art Deco French Hand Painted Wood Duck Decoy.
Wood
$395
H 7 in W 13.5 in D 5.25 in
Hand Carved Vintage Antique Wood Duck Mallard Decoy Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted antique wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color (notice the white side patch against dark body) an...
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decoy Duck Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art decoy duck form A working example of an early 20th century English Folk Art decoy. Hand carved from wood, with lead weight still in place at the ...
Pine
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Wood, Paint
$640
H 4.25 in W 15.5 in D 4.5 in
Late 19th Century Hand Painted Bluebill Rochester Duck Decoy Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Wood, Paint
$225
H 5.5 in W 11.25 in D 5.5 in
European Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy, Wood & Paint, Mid-20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck features wonderful patina throughout including paint and glass eye. Wonderful collectable piece to add to a grouping. We think this...
Wood, Paint
$225
H 6.25 in W 13 in D 5.25 in
European Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy, Wood and Paint, Mid-20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck features wonderful patina throughout including paint and glass eye. Wonderful collectable piece to add to a grouping. We think this...
Wood, Paint
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.63 in W 12 in D 3.75 in
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique, USA owned by Bob Tillbutt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Hand Crafted Mechanical Mallard Decoy
Located in Nantucket, MA
Rare Early 20th Century Hand Crafted Mechanical Mallard Duck Decoy, circa 1920s, by an unknown "factory" decoy maker. The decoy bears a close resemblance to the Evans Standard Grade ...
Wood
$395
H 5.5 in W 16.5 in D 6 in
Hand Painted Carved Wood Large Vintage Wood Duck Decoy, Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century handmade duck or mallard decoy with a swivel neck and glass eyes. Would be a great addition to any collection o...
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Wood Folk Art Duck Decoy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Hand-Carved Folk Art Duck Decoy. The duck 's head is movable and the body features wonderful patina throughout including traces of the original paint. Wonderful co...
Wood, Paint
Wood Mallard Duck Decoy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Dimensions: 13.5" long 5" wide 5" tall.
Wood
Vintage Hand Carved Wood Duck Decoy, Dempsey Tuckerton, NJ
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully carved wood duck decoy. Perfect for display on a bookshelf. Dimensions: 16" long 5.5" wide 7.5" tall.
Wood
Shell Encrusted Bird Decoy in Brown White Black and White, 1950s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Duck or bird decoy covered in shells. Shells range in various hues of brown and white. Two black googly eyes and shell beak. A great piece of decor for a bookshelf or side table. ...
Shell