Neoclassical Folk Art
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
Early 19th Light Blue Floral Painted Cabinet
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Painted Wardrobe with Flowers
Dimension: H. 195 cm – W. 126 (142 to the corners) cm – D. 47 (58 to the corners) cm
Period: 1800 circa
Origin: Alps
Wood: Fir
Description:
Alpine painted wardrobe with two doors, entirely painted in light blue. The upper cornice is softly shaped and the doors follow the same curvature. The latter are depicted with rich cups of flowers, containing roses, tulips, carnations, primroses and bells, and the typical Tyrolean hearts wrapped in a floral garland with apotropaic symbols. Ramages and floral decorations are present on the entire surface and on the notches.
Inside, the wardrobe offers ample space, which can be customized with the addition of shelves and/or a clothes hanger pole.
This antique Alpine wardrobe...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fir
1812 Light Painted Alpine Cabinet
Located in Vo', Veneto
Painted Cabinet Dated 1812
Measurements: H. 176 cm – L. 110 (120 at the frames) cm – D. 50 (55 at the frames) cm
Period: 1812
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Description:
Antique painte...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fir
Bronze Dog Book Ends / Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of bronze dog book ends are in fine condition with a nice patina. They are in very good condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Double Wedding Ring Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 20thc yellow & white double wedding ring quilt has a Dutchy Pennsylvania calico fabric.The quilting is very good and piecework too. This ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
19th C Hollow Body Eagle Weather Vane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19th c patinaed eagle weather vane was found in New England. The iron base is a custom made stand. The condition is very good on this ear...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Iron
18th Century Old Masters Oil Painting Attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
18th century old masters oil painting attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France. View of a Mediterranean port at sunset. Great pi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
19thC Cast Iron Mechanical Owl Bank with a Turning Head and Glass Eyes, 1880
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast iron Owl bank with a turning head coin lever and glass eyes. Lot of the original paint still intact. Missing the lock on the underside, not visi...
Category
1880s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Cast Iron Horse Doorstop Signed Hunter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast iron horse doorstop Signed Hunter.
Copyright 1949. VA Metal Crafters, Waynesboro, VA.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
19th Century Original Paint Decorated Captains Chair with Eagle and Stars
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing all original painted and decorated sea captains chair from New England. This chair has the original gilded surface and a red painted base. This plank seat chair is in gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Clay, Pottery
Maitland Smith Hand Painted Neoclassical 4-Panel Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Opulent, large scale, Maitland Smith hand-painted room divider folding screen. The Greco-Roman themed folding screen features neoclassical architecture and sculpture as decadent as the halls of the Roman Senate. Each of the four panels measures 34″ wide! The screen stands at 8 feet tall. The palatial scene could easily be used as theatrical backdrop...
Category
1990s Philippine Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Hardwood, Paint
Leather Horse Animal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful all leather horse animal sculpture, in the Ralph Lauren style, circa late-20th century. This hand-crafted piece is clad in a light ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Leather
19th Century Grain Painted Paneled Wood Door
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous grain painted solid wood paneled door.
Painted in the Trompe loi style to imitate rosewood or another exotic wood.
Door is grain painted on one side only. Other side is ol...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Juan Archuleta Gates and Garden Painting
Located in Manhasset, NY
Juan Archuleta gates and garden painting. Well done in a fine custom gilt frame from a fine New Jersey private. collection.
Juan S.E. Archuleta, Bor...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Jesus on Copper Panel
Located in Braintree, GB
Early 19th Century Oil Painting of Jesus on Copper Panel.
Presented is an early 19th-century artwork, meticulously rendered with oil on a copp...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
20Th c Signed Bronze Bald Eagle Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc hand made bronze sculpture of a bald eagle in fine as found condition.This is so well constructed and very heavy.
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
19th C Handheld Muffin Bell Town Crier Fire Alarm Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 19th C handheld muffin bell town crier fire alarm bell. The bell features two Brass domes mounted back to back with iron, a turned wood handle, and a b...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Bronze
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 ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Ironstone
Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand
By L. W. Cushing & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A weathervane in the form of a running horse, that was likely modeled after "Dexter" circa late 19th century on a custom display stand. The full body molded horse has a gilt surface with verdigris patina. Not entirely sure of the maker but possible by L. W. Cushing & Co. In Waltham or Harris. Co in Boston. The surface has been re-gilt historically likely dated from early 20th century. A lovely piece that transcends American fold art...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Mid-20th Century Handmade American Square Quilt
Located in New York, NY
A vintage American square Quilt handmade during the mid-20th century.
Measures: 6' 1" x 6' 4"
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Cotton
20th Century Italian Ceramic Sculpture of Diana
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Italian ceramic sculpture depicts Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, in an elegant and dynamic pose. Rendered in a glossy white glaze, the sculpture showcases Di...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Model Wood House
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage model wood house featuring front portico and door with many windows and four dormers. House has interior bulb that functions to light interior a...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Americana Gilt and Forest Green Painted Plaster Spread Wing Eagle
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., Americana, a large scale gilt and forest green painted cast plaster eagle, depicted spread-wing, with crisply detailed overlapping feathers. With mounting bracket on reverse. This is a very handsome example of an iconic form. The combination of the gilt and forest green paint is striking.
Depictions of eagles can be seen across American art. The national bird of the United States, the eagle has been used as a symbol of American freedom for centuries. This is a fine example in the style of John Haley Bellamy...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Plaster, Paint
Pair of Italian Demi-Lune Painted Floral Consoles with Spade Feet, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian neoclassical style painted demilune consoles with a centered floral medallion surrounded by a faux marbleized top, floral painted border and swag skirt, and terminat...
Category
1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Brass
President Dwight D. Eisenhower Commemorative Ceramic Plate
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round ceramic commemorative plate of President Dwight Eisenhower. The plate is circular, with gold detail around the edges, and a portrait of Presi...
Category
20th Century North American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold
Coverlet Signed & Dated David Weand Ls Alfordt Montgomery , Co, 1845
By David Gentleman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine Pennsylvania red and green handwoven coverlet with the original fringe is signed : " DAVID WEAND L.S.ALFORD , MONTGOMERY County 1845 " and retains the original fringe. Thes...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Pair of Cast Iron George Washington Figural Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of cast iron George Washington Andirons:
Measures: 9" x 20" x 16"
Weighs: 30 LBS.
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Kronester Bavaria Triangular Porcelain Plate Vintage Handpainted Ceramic Germany
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Original German vintage hand painted Kronester, Bavaria small triangular shape decorative ceramic plate.
Hand painted with stylized floral design decorative porcelain plate.
Signed and numbered.
Hand made in Germany.
Kronester, Bavaria 969.
Could be used as a stylish vide poche or decorative hanging plate.
Category
20th Century German Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Late 19th Century Seascape Lighthouse Oil Painting
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unsigned Maritime oil painting. Very good quality, by the hand of a professional painter. The painting is soiled from 100 years of exposure. The frame has some losses (chips) to the ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
"Long Island Sailing Grounds" Watercolor by Cappy Hjalmar Amundson
By Cappy
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a unique Water color by the famed nautical painter C. Hjalmar Amundson. Born to the name Casper Hjalmar Emerson III, later changed to C. Hjalmar Amundson, he was only ever r...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Cranberry Bog Harvester Rake Scoop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully patinated cranberry rake.
The Rake is a decorative piece and a compliment to many spaces. Hanging on a wall, sitting on a console table ...
Category
20th Century North American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wire
Set of Eight American Black Lacquered and Gilt Fancy Chairs Baltimore, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Set of Eight American black lacquered and gilt fancy chairs with painted bird, floral, and shell motif. Two arms and six sides. Chairs have cane seats with...
Category
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Pine, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carrara Marble Bust of Daphne, Apollo's First Love
Located in New York, NY
A fabulously hand carved antique neoclassical style Italian Carrara marble bust of Daphne. This bust is of immaculate quality and craftsmanship. Daphne's hair is beautifully hand car...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Carrara Marble
Spinning Wheel, Walnut Wood, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Spinning wheel. Walnut wood carved and turned. XIX century.
Vertical carved walnut wood spinning wheel, which has been decorated with fine lines in certain areas, and the use of b...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Other
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...
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
20th C Original Painted Hubley Boston Terrier Doorstop
By Hubbly
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th C original painted Hubley Boston Terrier doorstop.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Pair of Italian Griffon Majolica Terracotta Pedestals on Plinths. Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Griffon Majolica terracotta pedestals with flanking circular floral tops and resting on molded step back plinths. Mid 19th century.
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
M. E. FAGER - EGLOMISÉ REVERSE MIRROR Paintings
By W.E. Fager
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Pair of M.E. Fager Reverse Mirror Paintings – Signed, 1950s American Design
A rare and captivating pair of reverse mirror paintings by renowne...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Mirror
19th Century Quarry Statue of Archangel with Harp Found in Western México
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This amazing 19th century pink quarry statue of Archangel was found in Western México, it has minor losses and wear consistent with age.
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Floral Torchieres, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt torchieres with circular egg & dart medallion tops, floral decorative rings, intertwining floral tassels and terminating on acanthus tripod hoof feet...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Original Oil Painting of Girl by Harry Roseland
By Harry Roseland
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original Oil Painting of Girl by Harry Roseland. Painting is in excellent shape for its age. Harry Roseland was a New York painter who lived from 1866 to 1957. Known for his cand...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Pair of Italian Gilt Carved Wood Demilune Acanthus Wall Brackets, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian gilt carved wood demilune wall brackets with scrolled foliage acanthus motif. All original. Early 19th Century.
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Giltwood, Wood
Italian Faux Marbleized Gilt Acanthus and Berry Wall Mounted Console, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Faux marbleized wall-mounted console with a gilded lambs tongue egg and dart border, gilded scrolled acanthus legs, exterior and interior floral medallions, and resting on sc...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Marble
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug in Cloud White and Dark Ivory, Textured Linear Pattern
By JAIPUR RUGS
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your space with this 9' x 12' Jaipur hand-knotted wool rug, crafted in soft cloud white and dark ivory. Showcasing a subtle linear pattern, this rug combines traditional craf...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Medal In memory of the gunpowder ship disaster on January 12
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: VIRTUTIS SOCIIS FRATERNO MORE LIGATIS PROSPERA CONTINGIT CLAUDERE LUSTRA DECIM DIE 19 OCT. 5807, all-seeing eye in a halo, woman in draped robe and with sun on her chest, kn...
Category
Early 1800s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Silver
Nautical Sailboat or Yacht Model in Blue and White with Painted Wood Body, 1930s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful model sailboat or yacht created from wood, brass, and canvas. The body is painted in a deep blue at the bottom with white edges. A brass propeller sits underneath. All on a...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Funky Distressed Red Wooden Vintage Washing Machine
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fabulous vintage weathered red wooden washing machine that someone with imagination can use as a side table or found object that adds warmth and curi...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
17th Century Italian Carving of Scholar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.
Category
Early 17th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved and Polychromed Wood Crucifix "Cadore"
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 19th century Italian hand-carved and polychromed wood crucifix sculptural school "Cadore"
Measure cm: H 70, W 37, D 8
About:
The...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Venetian Grand Tour Carnival Figure of a Young Girl, Paint Decorated Metal c1770
Located in valatie, NY
Rare Venetian First Grand Tour Carnival Figure of a Young Girl, Paint Decorated Metal, Late 18th c. The Carnival in Venice traces its origins to 1162, when Venetians celebrated a mil...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Boston Terrier Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boston Terrier doorstop in all original paint.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
William Alexander Drake Oil Board, Ship at Dock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Signed lower right. An impressive hulking ship with a green hull dominates the scene at a dock, perhaps for repair. The partial view of a steamship is in the right background.
Sigh...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
One of a Kind Antique Carved Wood Group Statue Sculpture by Emile Boisseau
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique 19th century French wooden sculpture.
This large and figural group is titled 'La Defense Du Foyer' which translates as 'the protection of the spous.' This impressive sculpture is in good and original condition and this ripped hunter defenitely looks ready to fight off anyone or anything threatening his spous.
This sculpture is attributed to Emile Andre...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large 19th Century Flo Blue Soup Bowls in Watteau Pattern or Doulton
By Watteau Doulton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of five flo blue soup bowls signed Watteau Doulton and in pristine condition. These English bowls are nice generous sizes.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
James Bama "the Drift on Skull Creek Pass", Limited Edition Numbered Lithograph
Located in Morristown, NJ
James Bama (American Artist, 1926-2022) "The Drift on Skull Creek Pass", offset print lithograph from the original photorealistic painting, pencil signed lower right and numbered 54/...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Camel Boots Shop or Store Sign in hardwood, Circa 1960s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good original shop or store advertising sign made for CAMEL BOOTS.
The sign is shaped as a prism with a triangular cross section and is made of...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
19th C Spongeware Slop Bucket with Lid
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Spongeware slop bucket with lid.
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Neoclassical folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical folk art for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.