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.
Pre-Colombian Casas Grande Olla Pot
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pre-Colombian Casas Grande Olla Pot, Arizona, c. 1150-1450 , Zoomorphic Polychrome Decoration. The Casas Olla Pot is made of clay and has a rounded, bulbous shape. It's surface is de...
Clay, Pottery
Pictorial Acoma Olla Pottery
By Acoma
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Hand thrown and painted pictorial Acoma top rim with geometrics below. Hand thrown, thick walled, signed on bottom B. Concho, Acoma, N.M. Primitive and "folky." Period: Mid-20th century Origin: Acoma Size: 12" H x 11" W Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American, Pottery, Acoma Olla...
Pottery
$395
H 3.25 in Dm 4.5 in
Yoly Ledezma Signed Native American Pueblo Mata Ortiz Casas Grandes Pottery Vase
By Mata Ortiz
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful designed, shaped and decorated ceramic vase by Ingenious Southwest Native American potter Yolanda (Yoly/Yolly) Ledezma of Casas Grandes Pottery in Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua,...
Pottery
$270
H 13.39 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Native American Vintage Mata Ortiz Fine Geometric design pottery pot
Located in London, GB
Native American Nice vintage Mata Ortiz pottery pot with superbly executed super fine geometric designs. Stunning piece, unsigned Circa 1970. H 18 W 16 cm 7 x 6 inch approx.
Ceramic
$2,450
H 38 in W 34 in D 0.07 in
Navajo Picture Writing on Muslin, Four Corn Maidens with Four Lizard Guardians
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unknown Navajo picture writing on muslin Four corn maidens with four lizard guardians Muslin, mineral pigments, sand. Navajo Medicine Man active 1947 -...
Other
Casas Grandes Ramos Prehistoric Pottery Olla
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Pre-Columbian, Northern Mexico, Chihuahua region, Casas Grandes, Ramos Polychrome type, ca. 1150 to 1450 CE. A hand-built and stone-burnished pottery olla jar of a globular form with...
Pottery
Casas Grandes Pottery Olla
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Prehistoric Casas Grandes pottery olla. Hand coiled and painted polychrome design. Restored. Two strap holes. Four geomorphic faces. Rim crack through one hole. Ex. Barnard. 6"D x 7"...
Pottery
Vintage Pueblo Pottery Vessel Acoma pot native american
Located in London, GB
A fine vintage Acoma bowl with classic geometric signed indistinct on base Size Bowl 5 x 4 inches 13 x 10 cm Condition: Minor rubbing Good
Pottery
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.5 in Dm 9.5 in
Columbia River Massive Pre Contact Carved Stone Nine Effigies Ceremonial Mortar
Located in South Burlington, VT
From Native America's Northwest Columbia River area comes this substantial and unique ancient hand carved basalt stone ceremonial bowl or mortar possessing nine (9) human like heads within a circular double band, Columbia River. It comes from a private Colorado collection. The stone hand carved from a large basalt...
Stone
Historic Laguna Pueblo Large Native American Olla, 1880's
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Large Laguna Pueblo Indian Polychrome Olla, circa 1880's. Measures 12 5/8"h x 13"w. Featuring Geometric Designs on the Shoulder and Floral Designs with...
Clay
Prehistoric Casas Grandes Pottery Jar
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Prehistoric Casas Grandes pottery jar. In as found unrestored condition. This item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been exported legally and is...
Pottery
$2,250
H 28.5 in W 40.5 in D 0.07 in
Navajo Picture Writing on Muslin, Six Weasel People with Two Lizard Guardians
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unknown Navajo picture writing on muslin Six Yeis With Two Water Creature Guardians Muslin, mineral pigments, sand. Navajo Medicine Man active 1947 - 1...
Other
Native American Acoma Pottery Seed Pot - New Mexico
Sold
H 10.75 in W 2.75 in D 4 in
Antique Signed Cyrus Dallin Bronze Sculpture of the Indigenous Chief Massasoit
By Cyrus Edwin Dallin
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very detailed bronze sculpture was done by Cyrus Dallin of the United States in approximately 1900 in a classical American style. This quite well executed sculpture depicts the Indigenous Wampanoag Chief 'Massasoit' who in known is some respects for his ability to maintain good relations with the colony of Plymouth Mass...
Bronze
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
20th Century Native American Painted Totem Pole Almost 7 foot painted animal totem. Animal totems are believed to have spiritual significance. Watching over Pacific Northwest Indian...
Wood
Pair of Handwoven Mexican / American Indian Blanket Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing handwoven striped bolster pillows have black cotton linen backings.
Wool