Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Period: 19th Century
20th Century "The Last Supper" Dark Metal Relief
Located in Miami, FL
"The Last Supper" metal relief.
Relief measurements without frame: 24 in x 14 in.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Rare American Gold Intaglio Seal of George Washington, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A rare American gold mounted intaglio seal of a bust-length portrait of the first President in uniform enclosed by the inscription "George Washington", early 19th century.
In a fitted green leather box retailed by: D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England;
Provenance:
D.S. Lavender Antiques Ltd., Bond Street, London, England
Anita and Irvin Schorsch Collection
Exhibited:
Museum of Mourning Art...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Creil Neoclassical French Creamware Palais des Beaux Arts Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate, Creil, circa 1824-1836.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware bod...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
Stone, Coquerel et Le Gros French Creamware Neoclassical Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate from Stone, Coquerel et Le Gros, circa 1820-1830.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, de...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
1884 Chromolithograph 'Run for the Stakes' Children's Horses Game Board, Framed
By McLoughlin Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original lithographed childrens’ game board, titled ‘Go On or the Run for the Stakes,’ by The McLoughlin Brothers., NY, NY, copyright Jan. 1884....
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
PH Choisy French Creamware Vue de Fontainbleu à Paris Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate produced by P&H Choisy, circa 1824-1836.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, depicting t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
Silver Mesh Bag, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Silver mesh bag in its color decorated with triangular elements on the bottom that has a smooth closure by hinges and a chain of alternating long and short li...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
The Life of Francis Marion by Simms, 1855
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare eleventh edition hardback illustrated copy of The Life of Francis Marion W. Gilmore Simms. J.C. Derby 119 Nassau Street, New York...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Italian Grand Tour Marble Model of a Roman Labrum or Bath, circa 1810
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Rare early 19th century Italian Grand Tour model of an ancient Roman labrum (bath) or sarcophagus in exquisitely carved rosso antico marble having double ring handles and central lio...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Framed 1839 Hand Colored Map of the United States
Located in Stamford, CT
Framed hand colored map of the United States of America from 1839. Newly framed in a giltwood frame.
Category
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood, Paper, Glass
PH Choisy French Creamware Neoclassical Temple à Paris Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate produced by P&H Choisy, circa 1824-1836.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, depicting the Temple de Gloire...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
Large Custom Framed 1857 U.S. Coast Survey of the Chesapeake Bay
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique 1850's nautical map with hand-painted color accents entitled “Chesapeake Bay; Sheet no. 2: Head of the Bay to the Mouth of the Potomac River”....
Category
1850s American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-19th Century British Yacht Half Hull Model "Vivid"
Located in Bridgeport, CT
2.44 yacht half hull model of a racing sloop. An 1840s-1850s "Plank on Edge" cutter half block hull with applied stem, keel and rudder. The deck with stubbed bowsprit, stub mast, and...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1830 Mexico and United States Framed Map
Located in Stamford, CT
Map of North America published circa 1830. Map shows United States into Canada. Mexico extending into the upper California territory. Texas appears in name but prior to the period of...
Category
1830s American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Early 19th Century Neoclassical Automaton Windmill Sewing Box
Located in Essex, MA
Rare early 19th century working automaton sewing box with hidden compartments for necessaries and sewing implements. Original handmade clockwork inside which operates a working windm...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Early 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved and Polychromed Wood Crucifix "Cadore"
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 19th century Italian hand-carved and polychromed wood crucifix sculptural school "Cadore"
Measure cm: H 70, W 37, D 8
About:
The...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Empire Portrait Painting of Julie and Desiree Clary by Robert Lefevre
By Robert Jacques LeFevre
Located in Essex, MA
Period First Empire portrait of the Sisters Julie and Desiree Clary, Future Queens of Spain and Sweden by Robert Jacques Francois Lefevre (1755...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas
PH Choisy French Creamware Neoclassical Palais à Paris Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate, circa 1820-1830.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, depicting the Palais de la Chambre...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
PH Choisy French Creamware Neoclassical Fontainbleu à Paris Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate produced by P&H Choisy, circa 1824-1836.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, depicting t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
19th Century Porcelain Huqqa with Bird Paintings
Located in London, GB
This huqqa (or hookah) is a wonderful item which is crafted from porcelain and finely hand painted and parcel gilt. The huqqa was created in the late 19th century, most likely in Rus...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Choisy French Creamware Neoclassical Arc de l’ Étoile Paris Architecture Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French neoclassical faïence transfer printed creamware plate produced by P&H Choisy, circa 1824-1836.
A black transfer of an architectural image on a creamware body, depicting t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Creamware
Ropes and Tackle for 19th Century Waling Vessel
Located in New York, NY
Tools ropes and tackle for 19th century waling vessel.
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rope, Maple
19th Century Large Civil War Era Bronze and Tin Pitcher
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a fabulous historic treasure of times past, namely, a 19th century large Civil War Era bronze and tin pitcher.
From circa 1850, this is an American frontier piece.
I...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Tin
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...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Bronze Devotional Plaque, St Vincent of Saragossa or Martyr, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Devotional plaque, San Vicente Mártir, or Huesca or Zaragoza, or Valencia. Bronze, 19th century.
Oval bronze plate with a circular element at the top and a frame to enhance the reli...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Mortar with Inscription, Spain, 1846
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar with inscription. Bronze. Spain, 1846.
Mortar made of bronze with flared mouth and truncated cone body developed without discontinuity and decreasing in diameter to the base....
Category
1840s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper, Iron
Portrait Miniature American School, circa 1805
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
A Gentleman, wearing dark blue coat...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
14-Karat Gold Broock with Garnet and Diamond, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
14-carat gold clasp with garnet and diamond.
14-carat gold-plated oval brooch finished with a gold-plated beaded cord adorned at the front with a curved composition that leaves smoo...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
19th Century Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock and Barometer by Dasson
Located in London, GB
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Clothing Press in Oak Wood, Holland, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Clothing press in oakwood, Holland, 19th century. On four turned legs (three of them secured with a straight chambrana) the press rises, with a drawer underneath. As it is a purely u...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Antique Napoleon III Period Oak and Silvered Bronze Tobacco Cabinet by Diehl
Located in London, GB
Crafted by the acclaimed cabinetmaker, Charles-Guillaume Diehl (1811-1885), this tobacco (humidor) cabinet is a truly exquisite piece of antique oak furniture...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Bas Rilief with Profile of Ferdinando IV Borbone, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Bas Rilief with profile of Ferdinando IV Borbone, dressed as a Roman Emperor.
Beginning of 19th century.
Wax sculpture within circular hickory frame.
Very fine piece belonging to ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hickory
19th century American Southern Portrait by Benoni Irwin
By Benoni Irwin
Located in Savannah, GA
Oil on canvas portrait entitled:Mr. Bowles of Kentucky, painted by Benoni Irwin (1840-1896) an American portraitist born in new market, Ontario, Canada. He moved to New York as a you...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Clothing Press in Oak Wood, Holland, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Clothing press in oak wood, Holland, 19th century. Garment press with closed cupboard in its lower part made of oak wood in Holland. As is normal in these utilitarian elements, it la...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
English Porcelain Armorial Plate Hand Painted Eagle Motto By Industry and Hope
Located in Katonah, NY
This armorial plate features a crest with an Eagle with outstretched wings and the motto "By Industry and Hope."
Made by Chamberlain's Worcester, the plate has a wide border with forest green ground and three cartouches, each showing a beautiful hand painted single flower.
The plate was made in England by Chamberlain's Worcester during the reign of George IV, circa 1825.
The armorial may be blazoned as follows:
Crest: On a rock, an eagle with wings elevated and addorsed proper pendant from the beak, a shield azure charged with a hank of cotton also proper.
Motto: Industria et spe [By Industry and Hope].
Dimensions: 9 inches diameter
Condition: Excellent
Price: $360
The crest was granted by the Kings of Arms at The College of Arms...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
18kts Gold Broock in Losange with Garnet Cabochon
Located in Madrid, ES
18-karat gold clasp in losange with garnet cabochon.
Rhomboid brooch decorated with vegetal elements and gold pearls in a particular arrangement of hollows inspired by veneras, with...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Historic Antique Civil War Walking Stick Cane of General Joe Hooker
Located in Dayton, OH
"Very rare antique 18th century wood walking stick, staff or cane once owned by General Joe Hooker. Engraved silver band reads Gen. Joe Hooker. Measure: 35".
A history of the cane is included which reads: “This cane was given to Chaplain Earnshaw by the family of General Joseph Hooker, who commanded the English Forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville (which he lost.) The shaft of the cane was made from the “poop” of the vessel of John Paul Jones. The handle was made from the horn of a buffalo that General Grant shot. General Hooker died with the cane in his hands as he walked down stairs. Two battles later which ended in Gettysburg, the Norths cause was settled. General grant was put in command.”
Province
Estate of J. Frederic Gagel, owner of multiple Thoroughbred race horses that competed in the Narragansett Special and Kentucky Derby. Their family heritage was strongly intertwined with the military having officers in battles dating back to the American Revolution.
John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 – July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-American naval captain who was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends among U.S political elites (including John Hancock[1] and Benjamin Franklin[2]) as well as enemies (who accused him of piracy), and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation that persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the ""Father of the American Navy"" (a nickname he shares with John Barry and John Adams[3]).
Jones
Jones was born and raised in Scotland, became a sailor at the age of thirteen, and served as commander of several merchantmen. After having killed one of his mutinous crew members with a sword, he fled to the Colony of Virginia and around 1775 joined the newly founded Continental Navy in their fight against the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded U.S. Navy ships stationed in France, led one failed assault on Britain, and several attacks on British merchant ships. Left without a command in 1787, he joined the Imperial Russian Navy and obtained the rank of rear admiral.
Hooker
“Joseph Hooker (November 13, 1814 – October 31, 1879) was an American Civil War officer / general for the Union, chiefly remembered for his decisive defeat by Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Hooker had served in the Seminole Wars and the Mexican–American War, receiving three brevet promotions, before resigning from the Army. At the start of the Civil War, he joined the Union side as a brigadier general, distinguishing himself at Williamsburg, Antietam and Fredericksburg, after which he was given command of the Army of the Potomac...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Placide Poussielgue-Rusand, Paris, -19th century
Located in Säffle, SE
PLACIDE-BENOIT-MARIE POUSSIELGUE-RUSAND (Paris 1824-1889 Paris)
Chalice
Placide Poussielgue-Rusand (1824-1889), was a gold & silversmith in Paris. He is known mainly for his litur...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Brass
A Rare and Important American Marble Sculpture of Thomas Jefferson, Circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important American White Marble Sculpture of Thomas Jefferson Holding The Declaration of Independence. Circa 1870, in the Manner of Horatio Stone (1808 –1875).
Inscribed on scroll: 'The Declaration of Independence, It becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. etc. etc. T. Jefferson.
The present work is unsigned but is reminiscent of Horatio Stone's life-size marble figure of John Hancock...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
American Miniature Tilt Top Miniature Table/Candle Stand by Thomas Clowney, 1840
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Miniature mahogany Classic Revival tilt top circular pedestal table or candle stand.
Attributed to Thomas Clowney, Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
America, circa 1840.
Materials: Ma...
Category
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Bronze Portrait Plaque of George Washington, C 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique bronze portrait plaque of George Washington, C 1890
Possibly after Jean-Antoine Houdon, finely cast side profile with Washington's hai...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Choisy-le-Roi, Creil et Montereau, Theodore Roosevelt, and Assouline Publishing. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $1,200,000 while the average work can sell for $1,300.
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