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: 18th Century and Earlier
Pine Barrens Speculation, Edward Telfair Georgia Land Grant, 1792
Located in Savannah, GA
Washington County, Georgia land deed with survey warrant and beeswax state seal granted by Governer Edward Telfair to Col. Robert Middleton.
This land grant is from the controveral ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
David Beringer (1756-1821) Polyhedral Wooden Sundial
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).
DAVID BERINGER (1756-1821)
The frui...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
A Wooden Diptical Sundial Germany 1790
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).
Pocket sundial, made out of wood, ...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
A Brass Butterfield Type Dial French Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
signed Pigeon A Lion, the octagonal dial with hinged gnomon and bird pointer, inset compass and engraved with hour scales, the reverse engraved with towns and their latitudes, 2¾in (...
Category
1790s French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Musician Cherub Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique cherub figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand carved cherub depicts a putti with wing and playing the guitar; the sculpture is very expressive in his movement...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Polychrome Cherub Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
These charming antique putti carvings were crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand carved figures depict two chubby cupids resting on a knee and holding a arm up; each sculpture featu...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
Miracle of Saint Peregrine Laziosi. Oil on canvas. Spanish School, 18th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Miracle of Saint Peregrine Laziosi. Oil on canvas. Spanish School, 18th century.
Oil on canvas showing a man surrounded by angels and seated on a cloud of angels and seated on a clou...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Wooden Madonna With Child
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered neoclassical Madonna with child. Traces of original color and gilding visible,
Italy, circa 1760-1800.
Weathered small losses and old repairs.
More photo's availa...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Fine American 18th Century Portrait Miniature of a Gentleman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine American 18th century portrait miniature of a gentleman, of a distinguished gentleman in a blue coat, with white silk scarf, measures 2" wide x 2.5" high. Framed in a later (19th Century) elaborate carved giltwood oval frame...
Category
18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered And Painted Wooden Tabernacle
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful small tabernacle that once graced a church altar. Beautiful original silverleaf and faux marble paint.
weathered, small losses. Italy circa 1780
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Italian “Parnaso Italiano” Literary Collection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This late 18th century collection of 55 books, bound in animal hide and vellum, is pleasing to both the eye and the mind. From Dante's divine poetry to Petrarch's sonnets of love, an...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Paper
Virgin with Child, Devotional Medal or Pendant. Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Medal. Spain, 18th century.
Devotional medal made of gilded metal that shows an image of the Virgin Mary, placed on a pedestal and surrounded by a r...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
SAINT PAUL: Statuette in carved and gilded polychrome wood Late 18th century
Located in TEYJAT, FR
SAINT PAUL: Statuette in carved and gilded polychrome wood,
Late 18th century. Saint Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul, was an important figure in early Christianity and is often...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Bronze Weight, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Weight of the 18th century. Bronze.
Bronze weight, incomplete, with the container glass and two of the smallest, all decorated in cold with incised and...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Spanish Arquebus, Salvador Cenarro, Madrid, 1761-1793
Located in Madrid, ES
Marks: In key, chamber of the cannon and trigger guard.
Date: between 1761 and 1793.
Author: Salvador de Zenarro. "Real Arcabucero".
Origin / Provenance: Madrid, Spain.
Material:...
Category
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Steel
Commode Minature Long Walnut Maltese Cross Ebonised Fruitwoo
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally rare, museum quality Maltese, Neoclassical walnut chest of drawers with ebonised & fruitwood inlaid maltese cross on the top and drawer fronts
Maltese furniture of this period is exceptional reflecting the status and affluence of the island.
Given the size of the island relatively little Maltese furniture was made in comparison to Europe & American mainland.
Minature furniture is rare made either as a model or an apprentice's piece so it is extremely rare to find a minature piece from Malta bearing the Maltese cross.
This minature commode is highly original with beautiful proportions, ornamentation and patination.
The 'H' shaped top with a large centered inlaid Maltese Cross and a border of stringing. The breakfront fitted with three drawers each with stringing and inlaid six point stars centrally positioned behind the wooden knobs. The uprights with two continuous vertical bands of stringing ebonised and fruitwood from the top to the bottom of the drawers in walnut to match the front of the chest and then reverting to ebonising and fruitwood down the feet. Terminating in tapering feet. The panelled sides with a repeat of the double banding on the uprights and rectangular borders within the panels. The oak lined drawers with the original 18th century blue paper lining.
Measures: length 27 cm 10 1/2", height 24 cm 9 1/2", depth 20 cm 8".
Maltese Cross:
The Maltese cross is a symbol that is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta (also known as the Knights Hospitallers...
Category
18th Century Maltese Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fruitwood, Walnut
Golden Angel Head
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare golden angel head, to hang: in the entrance as a welcome, in the bedroom for sweet dreams. Intact, without any retouching.
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
18th Century Italian Carved Giltwood, Silvered and Painted Decorative Wall Lyre
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a music room, den or office with this elegant and colorful antique wall mounted lyre. Crafted in Italy circa 1780, the large Classical Roman musical instrument featured two ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Wooden Altar
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful neoclassical carved wooden altar with beautiful gilded angels.
Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Monsiau Nicolas-André Painting "Preaching of St. Peter" 'Attr.'
By Nicolas-André Monsiau
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful work of art attributed to the splendid art of Monsiau Nicolas-André (1754-1837) in the 18th century.
The work is a round framed painting...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
Mirror with angel heads. Carved and polychrome pine wood. Spanish school, 18th c
Located in Madrid, ES
Mirror with angel heads. Carved and polychrome pine wood. Spanish school, 18th century.
Rectangular panel of carved, polychrome and gilded pinto wood that presents two ovals framed ...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Sundial with Compass and Case, Bronze, Bion, Nicholas, Paris, 18th Century
By Nicholas Bion
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial with compass and case. Bronze. BION, Nicholas. Paris, 18th century.
Polygonal sundial with a bird-shaped gnomon and engraved triangular piece, which presents, on one side, ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Other
Reliquary Cross Pendant, Silver, Glass, 17th-18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Devotional pendant made in silver with a Latin cross shape, decorated on the outside with simple scrolls, spikes, pearls and other elements of classicist inspiration, as well as a ri...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Compass with Pocket Sundial, with Case, Bronze, Butterfield, Michael '1635-1724'
Located in Madrid, ES
Compass with pocket sundial, with case. Bronze. BUTTERFIELD, Michael (1635-1724). Paris, circa 1700.
Pocket sundial made of engraved metal, with a gno...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Other
Sundial and Compass with Case, Schrettegger, Johan, Augsburg, Germany, Ca 1800
Located in Madrid, ES
Sundial and compass with case. Bronze. SCHRETTEGGER, Johan. Augsburg, Germany, around 1800.
Sundial with a polygonal shape made of bronze, engraved with plant elements on the front,...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Other
Silver Mass Cruet Set, Estrada, Zaragoza, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of cruets with tray. Silver. Estrada, Saragossa, 18th century.
With contrast markings.
Set made of silver in its color composed of two cruets with a circular foot, an oval body narrowing towards the top, a stepped lid towards the center (topped by a circle with a V for the wine container...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Pair of Children, Polychromed Pine Wood, Spain, 18th Century and Later
Located in Madrid, ES
Couple of children. Polychrome pine wood, Century XVIII.
Pair of polychrome pine wood carvings that represent two children in an attitude of playing a musical wind instrument, both seated, with their hands towards their faces, and slightly raising one leg to add some movement to a posture that, otherwise, it would be perhaps too static. Due to their postures and attitudes, they would be part of a large and quality altarpiece, judging by the size, the details, the hair, the proportions, etc., elements in which the musical angels were not something strange. Note that those present do not have wings, calling themselves in these cases "putti" and being, in the same way, figures of habitual presence in religious environments despite having emerged from Renaissance classicism and its sources from Antiquity. The proportions of the sizes, the anatomy, the symmetry, the certain plasticism of the hair, etc. are elements that speak of an influence of Neoclassicism in these sculptures. Likewise, a certain resemblance to works from the 18th century of the Castilian school can be appreciated."
Size: 22 x 42 x 85 cms / c/peanas 37 x 37 x 180 cm. Weight is merely orientative. Bases and wooden instruments...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Silver Incense Boat (Naviculae). with Hallmarks. Spain, 18th Century
By Juan Antonio Sanz de Velasco
Located in Madrid, ES
Silver incense boat (naviculae). SANZ DE VELASCO, Juan Antonio (1720-1778). Valladolid, Spain, 18th century. With hallmarks.
The hallmarks on the base place the realization of the piece in Valladolid (note that it is the one which some experts place in time until the appointment as a "fiel contraste" of Antonio González...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Bronze Aspergillum, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Hyssop. Bronze, 18th century.
Swab made of bronze, forming the usual circular part, followed by a shaft decorated with moldings, which separate a tubular part from another with a b...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Four Antique Italian Extreme Erotica Hand Painted Pottery Tiles of Monks & Nuns
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of four antique hand painted pottery tiles are all unsigned, so no specific artist can be identified, but are presumed to have be...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pottery
Immaculate Conception Chapel, Second Half of the 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture, carved wood, glass, metal.
Carved wooden chapel with decoration on the top of balustrade and balusters in the shape of a vase of a certain Baroque memory, which presents t...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Other
Italian Neoclassic Walnut Miniature Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with diamond inlay over three drawers with similar inlay, slight cabriole legs.
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
18th Century Galician Brass Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
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).
The backplate pierced with a vase ...
Category
Late 18th Century Polish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Devotional Pendant, Gold, Enamel, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist.
Possibly mallorquin. One of the glasses is fractured. Oval pendant ornamented in its outline by turned gold loops and small metallic pearls. On ...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Enamel, Other
Compendio Historico De Los Arcabuceros De Madrid, Soler, Isidro, Madrid, 1795
By Isidro Soler
Located in Madrid, ES
Historical summary of the arcabuceros of Madrid ... Soler, Isidro (fl. circa 1795), Madrid, 1795. Original, leather binding. 86 pages perfect state of conservation.
"Historical Comp...
Category
1790s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Arquebus. Miguel de Zegarra. Madrid, Spain, 1773-1774.
By Miguel de Zegarra
Located in Madrid, ES
Marks: cannon (inscription, trademarks and countermark); key (punch); trigger guard (punch); medal with rope (inscription).
Date: 1774 cannon; key of 1773.
Author: Miguel de Cega...
Category
1770s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Steel
Saint Nicholas Devotional Pendant on Support, Bronze, Textile, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Saint Nicholas devotional medal on support. Gilded bronze, textile, metal, 18th century.
Golden bronze devotional medal placed on a support by wires that has an oval frame enhanced ...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Other
A Large Swedish 18th C. Tole Swag Architectural Element Mounted on Metal Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish 18th century large tole architectural swag mounted on an iron stand. This antique swag came from a building in Sweden. This unique piece consists of a rich foliage motif that appears to be draping on its stand. The general color of this unique piece is a moss-green tone. With its classical elegance, this 18th century Swedish architectural...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tôle, Metal
18th Century French or Swiss Military Watercolor, Signed and Dated
Located in Stamford, CT
Very interesting drawing of two soldiers in uniform one most likely French holding a rifle with bayonet and the other, Swiss, dressed in a fancy red outfit with codpiece and odd hat holding a menacing looking mace. Behind them on either side are burning castles...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
18th Century Carved Wooden Representing Christ on the Cross
Located in Miami, FL
Carved wooden representing Christ on the cross.
Category
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Italian 18th Century Relic Stand of Carved Wood & Silver Plate
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Italian relic stand from the 1700s! Made of carved wood with detailed silver plate decorating the front side of this wonderful relic stand with Lou...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate, Iron
A Monumental Italian Neoclassic Triumphal Military Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
Roman fruitwood trophy wall plaque carved with the forms of armor, halberds, and other military regalia.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fruitwood
Continental Wood Pocket Sundial and Compass 1780ca
Located in Firenze, IT
A carved Continental wood pocket sundial and compass, with precision carved numbers and a small stringline, 1.5 cm high, 6.5 cm wide, 4.5 cm deep
Category
1780s German Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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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