The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
Antique Trompe L'oeil Painting by Micheangelo Meucci, Florence 1867
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Trompe l'oeil Painting by Micheangelo Meucci, Florence 1867 A large Trompe l'oeil oil painting depicting hunted birds. A very detailled and colorful oil painting on board pa...
Wood
Biedermeier Picture Clock with Musical Movement, Austria, circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
These painting clocks are very rare, especially containing the music box. Of Austrian manufacture circa 1820-1830, this Biedermeier picture (painting) clock is a naive and charming oil painting on metal, which depicts nine people dressed in colorful period clothes at various activities; a woman with her child and carrying fruit in a basket atop her head, two young lovers, a man in a boat, another man walking with his dog, while still another gentleman leaves the town hall. A woman at the window...
Metal
J. Sedelmeier - Sunrise over the Lake Missurina in the Dolomites
Located in Berghuelen, DE
J. Sedelmeier - sunrise over the Lake Missurina in the Dolomites A colorful oil painting depicting a high mountain landscape with the lake Missurina in front of the Three Pinnacles (Drei Zinnen) in the Dolomites. Painted in oil on canvas with pastell colors by Josef Sedlmeier around 1950s. Framed with vintage wooden decorative gilded frame. Signed by the artist on the right base. On the back paper lable with inscription on the frame: 'Josef Sedelmeier Míssurinasee Dolomiten'. A wonderful original painting of the Tyrolian school. Mid-20th Century oil paintings often reflect people´s deep longing for security, beauty and a peaceful world. The natural landscapes show their beauty and majesty with powerful colors. The paintings of that time leave room for romantic feelings and sentimentality. The artist of the time gave people a sense of just be happy...
Canvas, Wood
Antique Beaded Drawstring Purse with Dog and Parrot Motif – Germany, circa 1850
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite antique beaded purse from Germany, dating to around 1850, is a remarkable example of 19th-century craftsmanship and textile art. Richly embroidered with vibrant glass beads in exceptionally fresh and bold colors, the purse features a charming depiction of a dog on one side and a colorful parrot on the other. The attention to detail extends even to the edges, where additional animals and floral motifs are intricately stitched, showcasing the skill and artistry of its original maker. The interior is lined with fine, buttery-soft deerskin leather, offering a luxurious tactile experience. While some minor bead losses and carefully executed repairs are visible, the overall condition is impressively well-preserved for its age. The drawstring is missing, but with the addition of a new ribbon, this delicate piece could even be used again—though it remains most striking as a collector’s item or display piece. Antique purses like this, especially with such vivid imagery and expert beadwork, are increasingly rare and highly sought after. A wonderful find for lovers of textile history, decorative arts, or romantic Victorian accessories.
Leather, Glass
Vintage German Hand-Painted Portrait
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage German miniature portrait captures a striking depiction of Napoleon Bonaparte, masterfully hand-painted in oil on bone. The piece reflects a refined Neoclassic...
Bone, Wood, Paint
High Mountain Landscape with Alpine Lake near Kufstein, circa 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
High Mountain Landscape with Alpine Lake near Kufstein, circa 1950s A large impressionistic oil painting depicting a high mountain landscape with mountain lake and folksy mountain hut in front of the imperial mountains (Kaisergebirge) near Kufstein in Austria. Oil painting on canvas with pastell colors. Painted by Passy-Cornet around 1950s. Framed with vintage decorative gilded frame. Artist signature on the front and paper lable of the reseller on the back. Mid-20th Century oil paintings often reflect people´s deep longing for security, beauty and a peaceful world. The natural landscapes show their beauty and majesty with powerful colors. The paintings of that time leave room for romantic feelings and sentimentality. The artist of the time gave people a sense of just be happy...
Canvas, Wood
Summerly Mountain Landscape with Hiker on Hiking Trail, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Summerly Mountain Landscape with Hiker on Hiking Trail, 19th century. An antique oil painting depicting a hiker on an alpine hiking trail and a bridge over a mountrain stream. Painted on canvas with pastell colors. Framed with antique decorative gilded frame. Painted in the area of Tyrol or South Germany, late 19th century. A high quality antique oil painting which will highlight your alpine cabin wall decoration. Frame with minor defects. The Biedermeier period runs parallel to the Romantic period and both are characterized by similar features. Domesticity, closeness to nature, folksiness and need for harmony are buzzwords of this time. The focus is on the simple, the conservative and the tried and tested. There is little experimentation and more observation and enjoyment. The art style is kept very realistic and shows great similarity to photography. Domestic idyllic representations, beautiful landscape and impressive portraits are the most popular topics for oil paintings...
Canvas, Wood
Still Life with Fruits, Oil Painting on Canvas, Germany, 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Still Life with Fruits, oil painting on canvas, Germany 1950s An impressive Biedermeier style still life painting depicting diverse fruits like plums, grapes or peaches. Painted in ...
Canvas, Wood
Antique Oil Painting Farm Girl on a Flower Meadow by M. E. Ummenhofer
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique oil painting farm girl on a flower meadow by M. E. Ummenhofer An impressive antique oil painting depicting a farm girl on a summerly flower ...
Canvas, Wood
Painting Cattle Carriage on an Alpine Lake, Oil on Canvas 19th century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Painting Cattle Carriage on an Alpine Lake, Oil on Canvas 19th century A lovely antique oil painting depicting a Tyrolian farmers family which loads their cattle heard onto a boat. The scene is located on an mountain lake in the Alpine landscape. Oil on canvas 1st half of the 19th century. Framed with vintage gilded frame, paint partly with craquelure. This painting will be a highlight in each rural decoration. Alpine oil painting...
Wood, Canvas
Unknown, Folksy Scenery with Cattles, Goats and Farmer's Wifes, Ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Oil painting folksy scenery with cattles, goats and farmer's wifes, ca. 1900s A colorful antique oil painting depicting a bavarian farmers family with their cattles and goats. The scene is located beside an mountain lake in the alpine landscape. Oil on canvas late 19th century. Framed with wooden richly handcarved Black Forest frame. Paint partly with craquelure and peeled off (see detail pictures). A great addition to every folksy wall decor. Alpine oil painting...
Canvas, Wood
Shepherd with Herd in a Victorian Landscape, Oil on Wood, 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Shepherd with Herd in a Victorian Landscape, Oil on Wood 19th century An original antique oil painting showing a shepherd with his sheeps and cows resting on a pond. Painted in oi...
Wood
Iron Nutcracker with Brass Accents and Turned Handles, Germany circa 1800
Located in Hamburg, DE
This beautifully aged iron nutcracker dates to around 1800 and most likely originates from Germany. It is a wonderful example of early utilitarian craf...
Iron
Antique Embroidery Little Girl House Door Vine Flower Bouquet Wall Key Cabinet
Located in Munich, DE
This highly amusing and unusual little wall cabinet for keys is decorated with a charming embroidery picture of a little girl wearing a red dress wi...
Glass, Wool, Wood
Antique German Biedermeier Style Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique German Biedermeier Style Trumeau Wall Mirror Southwest German Biedermeier style wall mirror. Mirror - walnut veneer, ebonized profile strip at the top, in the medallion reli...
Mirror, Wood
Chinese Painted Bamboo Walking Stick, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...
Bamboo
"Universal Soldier" Ghanaian Hand-Painted Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Jean Claude Van-Damme and Dolph Lundgren, Universal Soldier was a pulpy action/sci-fi from the early 1990s. The film's international success is...
Paint, Paper
A Hand Painted Stone by Ilya Schor
Located in New York, NY
This charming and rare hand-painted stone by the renowned artist Ilya Schor beautifully captures a serene harbor scene in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The miniature artwork, painted ...
Stone
American Folk Art Trompe l’Oeil Fish Painting, Dated 1894
Located in Atlanta, GA
This American folk art painting, dated September 26, 1894, presents a charming trompe-l’œil composition depicting three fish suspended before a newspaper titled Cattaraugus Star, ref...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$325
H 2 in W 5.5 in D 1.5 in
Antique English Irish Setter Dog Figural Verdigris Bronze Figurine Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique solid bronze with a verdigris finish Irish/English Setter hunting dog figurine or sculpture circa 1930s. I am not able to find a signature or makers mark. Great patina and co...
Bronze
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 54 in W 30 in D 0.5 in
Louis XVI Style Trumeau Panel with Trompe L'oeil Mirror Panel
Located in Nashville, TN
Possibly late 18th century but most likely 19th century painted arched painted panel. Either a panel intended for a trumeau or to be inset into wall boiserie as a trumeau. The upper ...
Canvas, Paint
Alpine Landscape Painting
Located in Vo', Veneto
Mountain Landscape Painting An antique Alpine oil painting depicting a mountain landscape, framed in rich dark wood; an ideal piece for decorating mountain homes, cottages, and moder...
Wood
$9,450Sale Price|36% Off
H 32 in W 35.5 in D 3.5 in
Religious 19th Century Oil Painting on Board Icon Titled "The Crucifixion"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Rare Hispano-Portuguese 19th century oil on board depiction of "The Crucifixion". The baroque icon style painting depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ outside the city walls of Jerusalem, north of Mount Zion...
Wood
French Oil Painting of Flowers in Vase in Montparnasse Frame
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French oil painting on canvas featuring a still life of a vase of flowers in a Montparnasse frame. The Montparnasse frame takes its name from the Parisian district where it w...
Canvas, Wood, Paint, Gesso
$164Sale Price|30% Off
H 15 in W 19 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Eduard Enzmann Alpine Lake Landscape Oil Painting on Board 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early to mid 20th century oil on board landscape painting depicting an Apline mountain lake viewed from a pine covered hilltop. Signed Enzmann in lower right - attributed to Eduard E...
Paint
$800
H 19 in W 14 in D 3 in
Whimsical Cast Iron kinetic Figural Folk Art Toy with Knight and Dragon Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A highly decorative and whimsical cast iron figural andiron, featuring a dramatic narrative scene of a medieval knight poised in combat with a stylized dragon. The composition is ric...
Iron
Vintage African Batik Wall Art, Hand Painted Textile Tapestry Wall Art
Located in Barrington, IL
Vintage Asian Batik hand painted fabric art. The beautiful batik is a depiction of a pair of Masai couples in traditional tribal clothing. The batik is a wonderful example of a hand painted wall art. Batik is one of many methodologies of fabric art in a long and rich folk textile tradition around the world. It is a wax-resist type of dyeing operation where certain sections of a textile are pigmented while others are tied-off and shielded from coloring. Batik designs are created in various geometric motifs that have certain symbolism and convey status within society, but now too they use batik methods to achieve what in essence are paintings on fabric. Dimensions: 26” x 31” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: Africa Material: Textile Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 2264 Vintage Batik Painting...
Fabric, Textile
Black Forest-Style Carved Wooden Game Motif Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Black Forest-style carved wooden wall plaque featuring a game motif of a ram, pheasant, gun, and satchell with bordering oak leaves.
Oak
Sold
H 10.63 in W 9.38 in D 1.25 in
Framed Mozart Miniature Portrait Painting Prof. A Mattei, Hand painted Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely stylish sentimental portrait of a lMozart Framed in a beautiful wooden frame, made in the 20th Century. Painting signed by artist. Beautiful and highly decorative. A very pr...
Wood
Sold
H 28.55 in W 36.42 in D 1.97 in
Fr. Winter- Sunrise Over the Königssee with Watzmann in the Background
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fr. Winter- Sunrise Over the Königssee with Watzmann in the Background A colorful oil painting depicting a high mountain landscape with the Königssee in front of the Watzmann. Painted in oil on canvas with pastell colors. On the base of the Watzman one can see the pilgrimage church St. Bartholomä. Painted by Fr. Winter around 1950s. Framed with vintage wooden decorative gilded frame. On the back handwritten inscription on the frame: "Königssee". A wonderful original painting of the Tyrolian school. Mid 20th century oil paintings often reflect people´s deep longing for security, beauty and a peaceful world. The natural landscapes show their beauty and majesty with powerful colors. The paintings of that time leave room for romantic feelings and sentimentality. The artist of the time gave people a sense of just be happy...
Canvas, Wood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 13.78 in D 1.25 in
Friedrich Lettau, Bavarian Folksy Man with Beer Mug, Oil on Wood Ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Friedrich Lettau - Bavarian folksy man with beer mug, oil on wood ca. 1950s An colorful oil painting depicting a folksy Bavarian man in his costume trinking beer. Painted on wood with pastell colors around 1950s. Framed with antique wooden gilded frame in Baroque style. Painted by Friedrich Lettau (1923 - 1993). Signed on the left base, on the back handwritten decication by the artist (in sutterlin). Alpine oil painting...
Wood
Sold
H 15.16 in W 18.9 in D 1.58 in
W. Kruegner, Summerly High Mountain Landscape with Alpine Lake and Watzmann
Located in Berghuelen, DE
W. Kruegner- summerly high mountain landscape with alpine Lake and Watzmann An impressionistic oil painting depicting a high mountain landscap...
Canvas, Wood
Sold
H 19.89 in W 12.41 in D 2.37 in
Tiny Biedermeier Wall Mirror, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Tiny Biedermeier Wall Mirror, Cherry Veneer, South Germany circa 1820 Cherry veneered and solid wood.Refinished with shellac hand polish. Two ebonized half-columns with old g...
Gold
Sold
H 2.37 in W 1.97 in D 3.15 in
Small Money Box "Magdalena" in the Style of Stobwasser Braunschweig
Located in Hamburg, DE
Small money box " Magadalena" in the style of Stobwasser Braunschweig. The piggy bank is made of painted tin and is reminiscent of the tin boxes finely painted by Stobwasser Braunschweig. The painting of the money tin...
Tin
Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Very rare antique sled coming from Switzerland and dating back to the first half of the 19th century. The wooden sled shows some remaining color and gil...
Oak
Sold
H 5 in W 4.38 in D 0.38 in
Framed Lady Miniature Portrait Painting by Thomas Hargreaves Liverpool, 1830
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely stylish sentimental portrait of a lady. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1900. Painting signed by Thomas Hargreaves, lived in Liverpool from 1775-1846. Bea...
Ormolu, Brass
Drasdo Family Oil Paintings, Germany, circa 1840
Located in Culver City, CA
Biedermeier style oil on canvas paintings of Edauard Drasdo (1819-1842) and wife in period gilt frames. Measures: 25.75" W x 31" H (framed).
Paint
Sold
H 18.51 in W 22.45 in D 1.97 in
Danish 19th Century Oil Painting of Kronborg Castle in Original Gilded Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Golden Age paining of the famous castle of Kronborg by the city of Helsingor. The Krongborg castle, made famous by Shakespeare’s play about King Hamlet, who was living the...
Canvas, Wood
Leather Hat Box for Cylinders, Early 19th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Leather hat box for cylinders, late 18th century. Rare old hat box made of leather and cardboard for cylinders. This old hat box in the shape of a cylinder is an original from the ti...
Leather