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Neoclassical Scientific 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
Color:  Black
Mid-Century Expanding Spyglass Brass & Leather
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-century spyglass brass & leather (similar to a telescope) expands from 7 1/8 to 17 1/4" - from a Palm Beach estate. How you focus a spyglass - Pull out all sections all the way ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Expanding Spyglass Brass & Leather
Mid-Century Expanding Spyglass Brass & Leather

Mid-Century Expanding Spyglass Brass & Leather

Still, Copper, Iron, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Still with flared copper body, cap on the top with the usual piece on these objects and a simple support to place the appliance on the fire. It has four iron handles to move it. This...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Iron

Still, Copper, Iron, 19th Century
Still, Copper, Iron, 19th Century

Still, Copper, Iron, 19th Century

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian bronze mortar and pestle. Christopher Eberhardt, Anno J667 Grabavw, Early 19th Century. Measures: 7.25" diameter at top, 5.75" diamete...
Category

1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830

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Albrecht Dürer "The Small Horse, " 19th Century Copper Plate Engraving
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Antique 19th Century French Coal Iron
Antique 19th Century French Coal Iron

Antique 19th Century French Coal Iron

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Mid Century Arthur Hertzberg Leather and Brass Cigar Cigarette Ash Tray Ashtray
Located in Draper, UT
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Located in Forney, TX
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19th Century French Ecclesiastical Iron & Bronze Altar Rail
19th Century French Ecclesiastical Iron & Bronze Altar Rail

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Neoclassical scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scientific instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include Nicholas Bion, and Old Paris. 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 scientific instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $55,743 while the average work can sell for $2,854.

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