Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
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.
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Mahogany
18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Glass, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood, Glass
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Linen, Wood, Paint
1920s German Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Canvas, Paper
20th Century Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Plaster
18th Century Maltese Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Fruitwood, Walnut
1970s Unknown Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
20th Century Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Alabaster
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Mahogany
20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Metal
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Iron
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Alabaster
Early 1800s American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Gold
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Walnut
1950s British Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Leather
2010s Chinese Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Paper
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Feathers, Hardwood
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Brass
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Iron
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood, Cherry
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Rattan
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Hardwood
Early 1900s Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Metal
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Brass
1840s Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Hardwood
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Walnut
1920s Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood, Glass
1920s English Vintage Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Glass, Wood
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Glass, Lacquer, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Metal
1890s Italian Antique Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
Slate