Neoclassical Lighting
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
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze, Ormolu, and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and Brèche de Appenninica marble candelabra lamps. Each two armed lamp...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Verdigris Bronze and Ormolu Floor Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An outstanding French 19th century neoclassical St. verdigris bronze and ormolu floor lamp. The lamp is raised by three handsome richly chased paw feet and pierced scrolled supports ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Patinated Bronze Urns Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and Vert de Patricia marble lamps. Each lamp is raised by fine ormolu ball feet below the square Vert de Pat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Giltwood and Glass Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and large scale pair of Italian 19th century neo-classical st. giltwood and frosted glass Bras de Lumière sconces. Each sconce displays a most decorative circular back p...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu, Bronze, and Marble Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu, patinated bronze, and Rouge Griotte marble lamp signed Clodion. The lamp is raised by an impressive square Rouge Griotte marb...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Maple and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional French 19th century Neo-Classical st. maple and ormolu chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a fine bottom inverted finial of the eternal flame amidst carved maple...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Red Marble and Ormolu Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century neo-classical st. red marble and ormolu lamp. The lamp is raised by a triangular marble base with concave sides, a mottled border and a bottom ormolu f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and high quality true pair of French 19th century neoclassical St. ormolu and black Belgian marble lamps. Each lamp is raised by a fine and most decorative black Belgi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu Three Arm Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu three arm sconces. Each sconce is centered by a beautiful bottom palmette. At the centers are most decorative circular...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Silvered Bronze Girondols
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An "almost" pair. One is slightly taller than the other. Not terribly noticeable. Base diameter is 7 inches.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu and Crystal Sconces Signed Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and monumental pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and crystal seven arm, nine-light sconces, signed Baccarat. Each lyre shape sconce is centered by a fin...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Pair of French Mid 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Candelabra Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and most elegant pair of French mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. four arm electrified candelabras in ormolu and silvered bronze. The pair are raised by circular ormol...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu sconces. Each five arm sconce is centered by an exceptional foliate backplate from where the elegant ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical patinated bronze and ormolu two arm sconces. Each sconce is centered by a beautiful foliate bottom finial where the charming rich...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
1970 Two Pairs of Wall Lamps Gilded Flowers and Foliage Iron, Two Bulbs
Located in Paris, FR
Two pairs of wall lamps, flowers and foliage gilded iron, circa 1970, good condition.
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Iron
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Giltwood Bras De Lumiere Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and large scale pair of Italian 19th century neoclassical St. giltwood Bras de Lumiere sconces. Each two-arm sconce is centered by a striking richly carved backplate wi...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Neoclassic Style Two-Light Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of sconces in the neoclassic style with two gilt bronze candleholders backed by an oval
white marble framed with black marble.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Italian Silver Gilt Urns Converted into Small Lamps Hand Made Shades With Silver
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very nice 18th century Italian urns converted into lamps with custon parchment shades, silver leaf. These would be charming sconces on wall brackets.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Silver, Vermeil
Floor Lamp in Red Crystal and Gold Leaf Structrue by Modenese Luxury Interiors
Located in PADOVA, Italy
Dive into charme with this Modenese Luxury Interiors floor lamp. The straight line of the central pole, decorated with a 24kt antique gold plated finish, carefully holds 2 lights pro...
Category
2010s Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Large Italian Giltwood Sconce - circa 1880
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Foliate capped branches with turned nozzles emanating from an urn and harp supported by a foliate cresting
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Pair of 1940 Glass Sconces Mary Antoinette Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
we have over three thousand antique sconces and over one thousand antique lights, if you need a specific pair of sconces or lights, use the contact dealer button to ask us, we might ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Pair of 20th Century Italian Chandeliers
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th century stylish Italian chandeliers dating from the Mid-20th Century.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Early 19th Century Pair of Candle Holders turned into Table Lamps
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
An exquisite pair of early 19th-century antique candle holders, expertly transformed into table lamps in the mid-20th century. These unique pieces combine the charm of their original...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Wood
Neoclassical Lantern in Lacquered and Gilded Metal, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical lantern in lacquered and gilded metal circa 1950
etched glass with star pattern.
Measure: height with chain: 131 cm (52 in).
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large Wall Lamp in Lacquered Metal, Bronze and Glass, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large wall lamp in lacquered metal, bronze and glass, circa 1950
with its bronze fixing hook.
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Lacquer and Brass Tables Lamps by Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful lamps from the 1970's in lacquer, chinese ideograms in brass, brass patins.
Design Jean Claude Mahey for Maison Romeo
Original wire, new shades.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Brass Sconces, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neoclassical brass sconces, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Library Lamp in Brass with Hunt Design, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical library lamp in brass with hunt design, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Metal Sconces in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
Set of three metal sconces in the neoclassical style
French, 20th Century
Height 52cm, width 23cm, depth 15cm
Each sconce in this set of three is crafted from warmly patinated metal in the Neoclassical style. Each sconce features a shaft-form backplate moulded with fluting, topped with an urn-form finial, and set below with a foliate drop finial. The backplate of each issues two scrolling light...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Metal
True Pair of French 19th C. Neoclassical St. Biscuit De Sèvres Porcelain Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and most elegant true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Biscuit de Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu sconces. Each three arm sconce is centered by fine bottom elong...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Marble La
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and most charming true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble lamps. Each lamp is raised by its original elegant circular Rouge Griotte marble base with a fine wrap around a double mottled border. Each lamp depicts the beautiful Psyche draped in a wonderfully executed flowing dress with a shawl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neo-Classical Verde Antico Marble Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An attractive and unusual French 19th century Neo-Classical Verde Antico marble, patinated bronze and ormolu lamp with all original gilt & patina throughout. The lamp has a triangula...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
1920s Caldwell Gilt Bronze One Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell bronze sconces with one light
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very fine neoclassical chandelier featuring at the top curved branches ornate with pressed glass leaves. At the bottom 3 concentr...
Category
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Rare Original 19 Century Six-Arm Cut Crystal Baccarat Chandelier
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rope-twist crystal six-arm chandelier, on three tiers, the arms and additional decorative elements stem from an interior decorated gilded glass bowl; the bobesches are stamped Bacc...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Unique Antique American Caldwell Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Unique Antique American Neoclassical Gilt & Patinated Bronze multi light dish chandelier embellished with figural masks, neoclassical motifs & finally adorned with a central plaque...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Workstead, Maison Baguès, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. 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. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $240,000 while the average work can sell for $3,427.