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.
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 authentic neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
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...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Plaster, Paint
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 brass ring. The bell was co...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Bellamy Style Carved & Polychromed Mahogany Eagle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bellamy style carved & polychromed Mahogany Eagle, Nice patina and color, well carved example.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Mahogany
Spinning Wheel, Walnut Wood, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Spinning wheel. Walnut wood carved and turned. XIX century.
Vertical spinning wheel made of carved walnut wood decorated with fine lines in certain areas and the use of balustrade...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Other
1819 Blu Floral Painted Cabinet, Central Europe
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean blue painted wardrobe dated 1819
Measures: H.190 cm - L.109 cm (146 to the frames) - P.42 cm (56 to the frames)
Beautiful painted wardrobe, with two doors, entirely pa...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fir
1876 Antique American Centennial Bank Note Engraving 18 Presidents 36 States
By American Bank Note Company
Located in Dayton, OH
"Rare antique 1876 bank note engraving commemorating the Centennial anniversary of the United States of America and advertising the Great Falls Company; produced by the American Bank...
Category
1870s Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paper
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 pictorial quality especially in the representation of ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Old Master Drawings
Located in Manchester, MA
A very fine pair of 18th century drawings depicting Gods and Goddesses, amongst them Minerva, Venus, Diana and Hera.
Category
1750s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paper
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
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 curiosity to a space.
Handle on le...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Juan Archuleta Gates and Garden Painting
Located in Stamford, CT
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, Born October 24, 1948.
College: ...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
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 sculptur...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Pair of Oval Still Lifes Attributed to the Early 19th C Milanese School, c1820
Located in valatie, NY
A pair of oval still lifes attributed to the early 19th C Milanese School, c 1820. The pair of still life oil paintings depict flowers, pears and a bird perched on a tree branch in a...
Category
1820s European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Genuine Vintage Law Man Hat Milan Campaign Sheriff Ranger Police Officer
By Stratton
Located in National City, CA
Hat
The Law Man genuine Milan hat. Sheriff Officer Ranger Police uniform hat.
Style is Campaign.
Labeled Size 7
Dimensions: 14 3/4" D x 13 1/4" W x 5 3/4" Tall
Item is from vintage c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Straw
Antique Early American Painted Wood Hope Chest Trunk Toy Storage Salesman Sample
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century dovetailed Salesman sample hope chest or toy storage trunk. Painted in red and black, with scalloped edging at the base and a heart where a lock would be.
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
9 Lead & Pewter Military Figurines Toy Soldier Officer Stadden Greenwood Ball 3"
Located in Dayton, OH
"Lot of nine vintage and antique pewter / lead toy soldiers representing a variety of eras from the Revolutionary War to post-World War II; five are by C.C. Stadden (British red coat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pewter
English Equestrian Needlepoint Hunting Scene in Tall Rectangular Giltwood Frame
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Tall hanging framed hunting scene in needlepoint. This piece is a beautiful classical English hunting scene handmade and created from needlepoint. The piece depicts a rider in a trad...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Horse Weathervane with Gilt Surface on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A trotting horse weathervane likely modeled after "Ethan Allen" with its original mount and displayed on a custom stand in a slightly upslope manner. The horse with full molded coppe...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Deco-Tel Rotary Phone Telephone American Flag Patriotic 1970s. Circa 1970s. Measurements: 12" H x 5.5" W x 5.5" D.
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Gottlieb Pioneer Pinball Machine
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
D. Gottlieb & Co. Painted. Paperwork. Extra light bulbs. 69 1/4" h x 28 3/4" w x 53" d.
Condition
Paint loss. Scratches. Has not been tested to see if it functions.
Category
1960s North American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Folding Screen with Original Hand-Painted Outdoor Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French painted folding screen room divider from the 19th century. This antique accordion style folding screen from France features four tall rectangular panels, each approximately ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Charming Pair of Early 19th Century Portraits of Two Fashionable Sisters
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of portraits of two fashionable sisters.
Reminiscent of the "Jane Austen" Era.
Cleaned and in wonderful original condition.
Beautiful.
Both signed "Bassez 1820."
Neocla...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paint
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
Vintage Art Deco American Hooked Rug. Size:6 ft 4 in x 7 ft 4 in
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Vintage Art Deco American Hooked Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: American Rug, Circa Date: 1930. Size: 6 ft 4 in x 7 ft 4 in (1.93 m x 2.24 m).
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
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
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
Vintage Tennis or Squash Rackets in Red White and Blue Set of 3
By Spalding
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage set of three tennis rackets in red white and blue. This would make a great focal point hung on a wall or perhaps for using them for their intended purpose!
Measures: 25.75...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
String, Wood, Paint
Antique Early American Miniature Salesman Sample Dresser Chest of Drawers 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique miniature doll sized / salesman sample chest of drawers with brass knobs and a scalloped backsplash.
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Grain Painted Paneled Wood Door
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous grain painted door from the mid-19th century. Painted to resemble tiger oak with its quarter sawn beauty. Painted on both sides however one side on the bottom third of the d...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Hardwood
A 1950’s English Turned Walnut Scepter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complicated and finely turned and finished vintage dark walnut scepter/wand produced most likely to showcase the variety of radius arcs and knurling's the wood shop was capable of ...
Category
1950s English Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Walnut
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Troy, NY
Neoclassical green painted and gilt armchair with caned seat.
After a model by Jean-Joseph Chapuis.
The front legs retain their brass casters, the rear legs are missing the casters.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Cane
Monumental Antique Roman Bronze Works Gilt American Bald Eagle Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Museum quality antique solid bronze 70lb sculpture by Roman Bronze Works of an eagle seated on the base with wings outstretched. Roman Bronze Works, now operated as Roman Bronze Stud...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
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 upholstered silk cushions....
Category
1810s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Silk, Upholstery, Pine, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Rigged Half Model of the Schooner Yacht America
Located in Norwalk, CT
Crafted by Don Peterson, Larchmont, NY circa 1971, an outstanding model of the famed 19th century yacht racing yacht, America. On August 22, 1851, America won the Royal Yacht Squadro...
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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 early fine with no dents or holes. Won...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Iron
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
19th Century Mexican Inlaid Wood Marquetry Trunk from Jalisco
Located in Zapopan, MX
19th Century, This particular craft/technique was imported from the Colonial period from Morroco to Spain and then to México, locally known as Taraceado, and or Jaleño due to the fac...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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
Boston Terrier Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boston Terrier doorstop in all original paint.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Tiny Sailing Ship Ferry American Flag Watercolor Painting
Located in Seguin, TX
Miniature watercolor and gouache on paper of a steamship ferry flying the American flag by Hajo Reiners (20th Century) Texas. Painting is 2.25' x 3.25" mounted on cardstock backing, ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paper
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
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
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 in a shiny beautiful glaze. We...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Ironstone
Vintage California Republic State Flag Banner USA Polyester Bear
Located in Dayton, OH
Polyester state flag of California, circa last quarters 20th century. Measures: 3’ x 5’.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Polyester
18th Century Pennsylvania Carved Pine Over Mantle Panel
Located in Nantucket, MA
Large 18th Century Colonial Pennsylvania carved pine over-mantle panel, a hand-carved pine single board frieze with deep bas relief acanthus leaf scrolls against a scoop carved back...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pine
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
Aubusson Manufacture Tapestry, Initialed, Depicting "game of cherubs"
Located in Milano, IT
Aubusson manufacture tapestry, made of wool and silk, signed and depicting "Game of Putti".
Aubusson is a town located in the heart of France that has a very ancient tradition in th...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Silk
American Late 19th to Early 20th Century Planked Half Hull Model of a Cruiser
Located in Wells, ME
American late 19th to early 20th century planked half hull model of a raised deck cruiser on its original mahogany back board This small half hull model easily melds into a collectio...
Category
1890s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Mahogany
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, standing next to a well holding a water...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Marble
19th C Patriotic Flag Quilt & Red & Green Applique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine early mid century patriotic applique crown of thorns variation and flags flanked in two corners is in very good condition. Comes from a private collection in Pennsylvania. ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
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
17th Century Italian Walnut Carving
Located in South Croydon, GB
A 17th Century Italian walnut carving. Of large scale, this carving depicts putto either side of a griffin and shield, beautifully carved, it's original purpose was probably architec...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Walnut
American Oil on Board Portrait of Horse, NY, James Weiland, Circa 1900
By James Weiland
Located in Charleston, SC
American oil on board portrait of horse landscape in the original gold gilt floral frame. Signed James Weiland, (1872-1968) New York, Early 20th century.
Weiland studied at the Roya...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
19th C Spongeware Tooth Brush Holder / Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 19th C spongeware tooth brush holder/dish.
Toothbrush holder - 3.5 x 5 Dish- 5 x 1.5.
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
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
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 depicts a nymph and a faun embr...
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
