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.
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu chandelier. The nine arm chandelier is centered by a beautiful richly chased bottom acorn finial amidst f...
Bronze, Ormolu
French, 19th Century, Neo-Classical St. Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Baccarat crystal and ormolu chandelier. The eight arm chandelier is centered by a fine bottom acorn finial amidst a lovely array ...
Crystal, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and unique French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu chandelier. The five arm chandelier is centered by a striking patinated bronze ball with a fi...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu Three-Arm Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive large scale pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu sconces. Each three arm sconce is centered by charming finely detailed oak leaves and acorns below the ...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu six arm chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a striking inverted foliate acorn bottom finial amidst ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Patinated Eight-Arm Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and most unique Italian 19th century Neo-Classical patinated eight arm chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a lovely foliate bottom inverted finial below striking Le...
Wood
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...
Ormolu
Lamp Decorated with Brass Stilt Decors, circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Lamp decorated with brass stilt decors, circa 1950.
Brass
Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical Ormolu Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu sconces. Each four arm sconce is centered by a most decorative bottom ball below the square tapered central support...
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 ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Unique Antique American Caldwell Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A unique antique American Caldwell neoclassical circular chandelier in gilt and patinated bronze, suspended by four chains attached to a ceiling canopy decorated with acanthus relief...
Bronze