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
19Thc Velvet & Silk Pristine Log Cabin Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing log cabin / barn raising silk & velvet quilt is in amazing mint condition. This comes to us from a private family estate collection in Beverly Hills, California. The bac...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Velvet
$2,760 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$2,636 Sale Price
20% Off
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
"Washington Bicentennial 1732-1932" Parade Flag, Printed Gold and Blue, c. 1930
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a George Washington Bicentennial parade flag from 1932. The flag is printed with gold, white, and blue stripes, with a prominent bust portrait of George Washington at ce...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Painting on Copper, "The Mockery of Christ”
Located in Milano, IT
Painting on copper. Italian school of the late 17th century. The scene, which recounts a moment in the Passion of Christ, is filled with the charac...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
$8,209 Sale Price
20% Off
13-Star Wool American Flag, with Zig-Zag Stars, Circa 1900
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a beautiful 13-star American flag, each star sewn with zig-zag stitching. The wool flag was sewn at the turn of the century, circa 1900. The flag features 13 white stars rest...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Cast Iron Hitching Post
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid to late 19th century cast iron clinched fist shaped hitching post. Original untouched surface. Resting on a custom made steel stand. Pictured in the book "Out Of Hand"
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
19thc Eight Point Star Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine eight point star quilt is in pristine condition with a couple minor tiny spots. Mostly posted on the back side. This is a very large quilt.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$796 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Gouache and Giltwood painting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderfully decorative Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Gouache and Giltwood painting. This charming rectangular shaped Gouache is matted within its original mottled Gi...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Giltwood, 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
Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Marble-Top Dresser with Mirror, circa 1890
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning Victorian rosewood three-drawer dresser with oval swivel mirror. The mirror has an ornate scalloped frame and sits on a turned wood base and features cutouts to the mirror...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$600 Sale Price
50% Off
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
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
Huge Vintage Neoclassical Painted Panel with a Leopard and Monkeys
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty vintage acrylic painting on wood of a fanciful composition with columns, ornaments, a leopard on a pedestal and monkeys executed in a tongue in cheek neoclassic trompe-l'oeil t...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Acrylic
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
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
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
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
Venetian Hand Painted and Gilt Figural Pagoda Two Drawer Commode, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Venetian hand painted and gilt figural pagoda two-drawer commode with scalloped edge top, gilt carved shell form handles, and resting on a scalloped edge floral skirt with the origin...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Early 19th Century Wall Box from Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handmade wall box is made of walnut and is all hand-cut square nail and dovetailed construction. The drawer is dovetailed and retains the original handbl...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
$716 Sale Price
56% Off
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
Antique Americana Quilt with Fan Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique hand-made quilt circa 1890-1900s originated from Ohio. The quilt features a striking patched square pattern with fan motifs, all hand stitched with colorful cotton appliqu...
Category
1890s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Watercolor of the American Barque A.J. Harvey in Marseilles by Honore Pellegrin
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Watercolor featuring the American Barque A.J. Harvey. Inscribed in the lower center of the painting and with the original handwritten adn signed label on the reverse. "Barque A.J. ...
Category
1850s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
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
Boston Terrier Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boston Terrier doorstop in all original paint.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Iron & Wood Fire Engine Large Model or Sculpture
Located in Plainview, NY
An antique fire engine model or sculpture, crafted from iron and wood, representing a fire engine from the 18th or 19th century.
The model is moun...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Fine 19th Century White Marble Sculpture of “Rebecca at the Well”
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine 19th century white marble sculpture of “Rebecca at The Well” depicting a Classical maiden wearing a robe, with one breast semi-exposed, stan...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Marble
$14,850 Sale Price
57% Off
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
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
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
Italian Gilt Carved Wood Floral Window Bench. Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian gilt carved wood window bench with scrolled floral medallion arms, carved floral skirt , and terminating on scrolled fluted legs. Bench has b...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Demilune Painted Floral Consoles on Spade Feet 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical painted demilune consoles with central foliage medallions, foliage olive borders, foliage skirts, foliage olive corner medallions, tapered legs with grad...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Swedish Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
19th century Scandinavian armchair in beech and linnen. This charming armchair was made in Sweden in the local neoclassical style. As common practice in this region the chair is pain...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Beech
$1,267
Italianate Folding Screen by Artmax, Gold Leaf & Cream, 1980s, Italy
By Artmax
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Italianate 3 panel, double-sided, folding screen by ArtMax. The room divider blends Mediterranean botanical motifs with classical revival elements. Each panel features the same desig...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Antique World Globe On Stand French
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique World Globe On Stand French. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
34-Star American Parade Flag, Commemorating Kansas Statehood, Circa 1861-1863
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a spectacular 34-star American flag, produced during the Civil War. This flag features 34 printed white stars, on a blue wool blend canton. The stars are arranged in whims...
Category
1860s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Collection Of 6 Antique Pinball Games
Located in Stamford, CT
A collection of six different sized antique graphic table top pinball games ranging in size from 30" tall down to 11 1/2. they 1" deep. Very easy to display. Great for a den or child...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
J. Chein & Company 1930s Wind-up Toy of a Boy Riding an Alligator
Located in San Francisco, CA
Manufactured in the mid 1930s by J. Chein & Company in Harrison, New Jersey, this vintage wind-up toy depicts a boy riding an alligator. A wound-up clockwork key powers the alligator...
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
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
Antique American Lancester County Log Cabin Barn Raising Quilt with Boro Backing
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine American cotton patchwork quilt with thin batting executed in the Log Cabin primary and Barn Raising secondary pattern circa late 19th to early 20th century. Collected in Lanc...
Category
1890s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
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
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
$716 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,000 Sale Price
69% Off
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
$3,116 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Pair of Italian Neoclassic Style Terra-Cotta Ornaments
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Neo-classic-style (modern) green glazed terra-cotta ornaments with a fleur-de-lis finial top (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
19th Century Rare Hand-Painted Stick Spatter Plate with Rabbits
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a fine example of an unsigned hand-painted stick spatter plate with painted rabbits surround the border. The condition is very good with old craz...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
$295 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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.
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