Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
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.
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1970s Unknown Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1990s American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1990s Italian Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Carnelian, Brass
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
2010s Italian Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
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21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold Plate, Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
20th Century English Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
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Late 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Walnut
1960s British Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
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21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Shell, Plaster
1980s German Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1990s American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Fabric
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
1990s English Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood