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Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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
Antique 1930's Gretsch Arch Top Acoustic Guitar
Located in New Milford, CT
**Antique 1930s Gretsch 150 Archtop Acoustic Guitar – Vintage Elegance with Timeless Tone** Step into the golden age of American craftsmanship with this stunning antique 1930s Grets...
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1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Maple, Rosewood

Erard Grand Piano Egyptian Revival Neoclassical Style by William Lomax Walnut
Located in Leeds, GB
An 1861, Erard grand piano with an ornate burr walnut, black and gilt cabinet. Piano casework features Egyptian Revival and Neoclassical elements. Th...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Porcelain, Walnut, Giltwood

Finest Quality Reuge Swiss 3.72 Note Grand Piano Inlaid Music Box Plays 3 Songs
Located in Tustin, CA
Astounding, finest quality, hand-made estate 3.72 note "Reuge" music and jewelry box grand piano with gorgeous instrumental motif marquetry on burl walnut wood case. The music box plays 3 songs. Flawless sound featuring a 72 note Swiss movement. The wood piano case is handmade in Italy by the world's best master artisans in marquetry. One cylinder; 3 melodies playing one after another. It plays for a very long time when fully wound. Reuge 72...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Burl

French Neoclassical Clarinet Wood Brass & Metal Table Lamp Black Gold Drum Shade
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical rosewood & brass clarinet table lamp mounted on a round metal base made in France. Comes with harp and carved gilt wood finial an...
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1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Metal, Brass

Gast Upright Piano Quartered Walnut Neoclassical Inlay Brass Candlesticks
Located in Leeds, GB
Albert Gast upright piano with a quartered, walnut case and ornate, brass candlesticks. Entire cabinet inlaid in neoclassical designs. Piano has an eighty-eight keyboard and two pedals. Front panel features inlay of a central urn surrounded by scrolling acanthus and flowers. The cabinet pilasters are carved Corinthian style with a palmette flourish. The scroll piano cheeks are carved with curlicue strapwork and inlaid with foliage and flowers. The piano legs...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Schiedmayer Grand Piano Walnut Carved Cheeks Filigree Music Desk Faceted Legs
Located in Leeds, GB
Schiedmayer grand piano with a french polished, burr walnut cabinet. The burr walnut is figured creating rippled patterns in the veneer reminiscent of oil on water. The serpentine piano cheek features carvings of scrolling foliage, spirals and a dual linear case moulding that borders the cabinet in high relief. The cut-out filigree music desk...
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Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Brass

Pleyel Upright Piano Satinwood Neoclassical Inlay Fluted, Columnar Legs
Located in Leeds, GB
An 1893, Pleyel upright piano with a satinwood cabinet. Entire cabinet features intricate, Neocalssical style inlay. The front panels feature a symmetri...
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1890s French Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Swiss Gold and Enamel Musical Vinaigrette
Located in New Orleans, LA
A musical movement distinguishes this wonderful early 19th-century gold vinaigrette box. The vessel is covered in delicate engraving highlighted by bl...
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19th Century Swiss Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Metal

19th Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
Located in New Orleans, LA
This early 19th century Swiss gold vinaigrette has the charming addition of a musical mechanism. The entire box is crafted of 14-karat yellow gold envelo...
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19th Century Swiss Antique Neoclassical Musical Instruments

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Gold, Enamel

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Neoclassical musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical musical instruments 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 musical instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical musical instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original musical instruments, popular names associated with this style include Colin Burn Art, and Reuge Ste-Croix. 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 musical instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $850 and tops out at $1,200,000 while the average work can sell for $22,500.

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