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.
A NEOCLASSICAL MINIMALIST BRUTALIST Wrought Iron & Glass FIRE FRAME France 1960
By Leopold Gest, Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in PARIS, FR
A very beautiful fire screen, Minimalist, Brutalist, NeoClassical, Shabby-Chic, consisting on , work of a French ironworker, probably a unique piece, to be attributed, France 1960. ...
Wrought Iron
Limoges Bisque Trinket Box with Neo-Classical Relief with Cherubs.
By Limoges
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bisque Trinket Box / Jewelry Casket with Neo-Classical Relief with Cherubs by Limoges, France. Will hallmark: LIMOGES , FRANCE. Late 1800s/early 1900s. In good condition, smaller/n...
Porcelain
Rare Karges French Provincial Artist Signed Cherry Chest Faux Marble Top Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
This masterfully executed Karges Transitional Three-Drawer Chest (Model No. 287) bridges the gap between classic European opulence and bespoke American craftsmanship. Drawing heavily...
Hardwood, Paint
Oscar Bach Italian Neoclassical Bronze Wrought Iron Marble Console Table 43"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Oscar Bach bronze, wrought iron and marble console table featuring neoclassical styling with a reticulated / pierced and scrolled foliate grapevine design. The black mar...
Marble, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique Victorian Oak Grand Tour Box Neoclassical Inlay Greek Key Vanity Drawer
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique oak box features an intricate Grand Tour style design heavily inspired by Neoclassical and ancient Greek motifs. While the exterior lid showcases a striking burl wood ve...
Oak
Neoclassical Empire Revival Style Box, Tiger Burl-Esque Lion Heads, Late 20th C
Located in New York, NY
A tiger‑burl‑esque jewelry or decorative box in the Neoclassical Empire Revival style, circa late 20th century. The box is finished in a textured faux‑burl veneer with tiger‑stripe p...
Brass
Estate Sterling Silver Sugar and Spice Toast Dusting Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce and unusual Sterling Silver sugar and spice dusting spoon, attributed to R. Blackinton & Co., an American silversmithing firm founded in 1862 in North Attleboro, Massach...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique 19th Century Cast Iron Neoclassical Garden Urns
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of 19th century cast iron neoclassical urns, with traces of Gustavian blue paint within the exterior of their reeded bowls. Unmarked, though most likely French.
Cast Iron
$584Sale Price|50% Off
French, 18th Century White Marble Panel depicting a vase
Located in Buisson, FR
Very decorative and beautiful weathered white marble panel depicting a vase. France, circa 1750-1800. Measurements include the wooden base. H:23,5cm W:14,5cm D:7,5cm
Marble
Antique Botanical Print of Carnations by Jean-Louis Prévost, 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Botanical Print of Carnations by Jean-Louis Prévost, 1805 Original antique botanical print depicting an elegant bouquet of carnations in richly varied striped, red, purple a...
Paper
Grand Tour Carrara Marble Sculpture of Venus Victrix - Italy - Early 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Grand Tour Neoclassical style Carrara marble sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (after the original by Antonio Canova) - featuring delicate hand carving throughout - hon...
Carrara Marble
1970's Decorative Figure of Atlas with Ostrich Egg with Atique World Map Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's Decorative Figure of Atlas with Ostrich Egg with Atique World Map Motif , with a bronze patinated finish over resin base. unique piece sculpture.
Ostrich Eggshell, Resin
Set of Four Mario Papperzini Amalfi Iron Lounge Garden Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An iconic and rare set of four of "Amalfi" lounge chairs with adjustable chain backs after the mid-century modern design by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The set features an o...
Brass, Iron
$12,000 / item
1900 Caldwell Leaded Glass Large Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass large light fixtures with interior lights.
Glass
Vintage French Brass and Glass Bar Cart, Neoclassical Style, 1960
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, mid-century French brass and transparent glass bar cart in the style of Maison Jansen, that would be comfortable in a range of decorating tastes from Hollywood Regency to...
Brass
$584Sale Price|49% Off
Italian 18th/ 19th Century Carved Giltwood Neo Classical Ornament With Birds
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwoodornament depicting two birds. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses Measurements individual and include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:56cm D...
Wood
Frederic Remington Roman Bronze Works The Cheyenne Statue Sculpture 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Frederic Remington bronze sculpture titled The Cheyenne, produced by Roman Bronze Works, New York. The Cheyenne was his sixth sculpture and his most daring design. Moun...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Neoclassical Stone Console Tables with Winged Mythological Stone Bases
Located in Elkhart, IN
An extraordinary pair of neoclassical console tables featuring sculptural winged mythological figures supporting substantial travertine t...
Cast Stone, Travertine
French Leather and Brass Two-Tier Table in the Manner of Maison Jansen, C. 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French two-tier occasional table in the manner of Maison Jansen, crafted with leather shelves framed in brass galleries. Clean lines and refined brass detailing exemplify ...
Brass
Wedgwood Cobalt Blue Jasperware Tea Set, 4-Piece, England, 1960s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A refined four-piece Wedgwood jasperware tea and serving set in deep cobalt blue with applied white neoclassical relief decoration. Made in Eng...
Ceramic
"A Nocturnal View of Saddle Rock Lighthouse, Maine" by Hermann Herzog
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas, signed in the lower left. Presented in a period, if not original, frame measureing 22" x 28" including the frame. This wonderfully atmospheric nocturnal harbor scape...
Paint
French Neoclassical Style Frosted Cut Glass and Bronze Ceiling Light, ca. 1910
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Neoclassical Style ceiling light dating to circa 1910, combining finely cast bronze ornamentation with an elegantly shaped frosted cut glass shade. The design is dist...
Bronze
Antique Neoclassical Mahogany Writing Desk with Brass Inlays and Three Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant antique Spanish writing desk showcases a refined neoclassical design with clean architectural lines and beautifully balanced proportions. Crafted from solid wood with a ...
Brass
Wedgwood Jasperware Blue White Pitcher Vase Greek Key Neoclassical English
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful cobalt blue and white Jasperware pitcher, with Greek-Key boarders, in the Neoclassical design style, by Wedgwood, circa early-20th century, 1930s - 1940s, England. Pitch...
Stoneware
Pair French Pink Opaline Perfume Bottles with Green Serpents Attrib. Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Pink Opaline Perfume Bottles with Applied Green Serpents Attributed to Baccarat A striking and highly decorative pair of French opaline glass perfume bottles attribut...
Opaline Glass
Jonathan Adler Pop-Art Style 'Grand Tour' Urn Acrylic Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Jonathan Adler Pop-Art Style 'Grand Tour' Urn Acrylic Sculpture, circa 2000s. A vibrant, maximalist statement piece by celebrated American designer Jonathan Adler, this "Grand Tour"...
Acrylic
Wedgwood Jasperware Candlesticks, Neoclassical Blue & White, 1960
By Wedgewood
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A refined pair of Wedgwood jasperware candlesticks in the classic pale blue ground with crisp white applied reliefs. Each candlestick is decorated with neoclassical scenes—draped cla...
Ceramic
Antique Edwardian Pair Brass & Cut Crystal Ceiling Lights Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional antique pair of Edwardian Neo-classical brass and cut-crystal ceiling lights, circa 1900 in date. These superb lights rach feature a brass body with chased and relief...
Crystal, Brass
Wonderful Vaughan Marble Alabaster Ridged Bowl Art Deco Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vaughan Style Marble / Alabaster Ridged Rim Bowl In The Art Deco Style Light Fixture Chandelier With Two Edison Interior Lights
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Giltwood Marble-top Wall Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic 19th century Neoclassical demilune-console from France, with an exquisite giltwood base supporting an interesting slab of pink marble. The blushing stone is streaked in gr...
Marble
Original Antique Print of Exotic Insects, Lanternfly and Mantis, c. 1790
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Antique Print of Exotic Insects, Lanternfly and Mantis, c. 1790 Original antique hand-colored engraving depicting a spectacular collection of exotic insects, including a la...
Paper
Rare Antique 1921 George Berry Derby Silverplated Golf Bag Cocktail Shaker 13"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique 1921 Art Deco silver plate cocktail shaker in the form of a golf bag, designed by George Berry for the Derby / International Silver Co. This design was the first novelty...
Sterling Silver
Painting of a boat scene, oil on panel, signed, France, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-century French painting, oil on panel, depicting a lively riverside scene. The composition features a village with southern-style architecture, bordered by calm waters whe...
Wood, Paint
Vintage Neoclassical Style Dolphin Candlestick Molded Clear Glass
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This gorgeous hand-blown and molded art glass candleholder is a striking sculptural piece created in the style of Gusevsky Crystal, Russia. Rendered as an elegant figural dolphin, th...
Art Glass
Set of Four French Iron Curule Side Chairs with Woven Strap Seats
Located in Troy, MI
This set of four side chairs is constructed in dark-patinated iron in the Curule tradition, each featuring a tall straight back with ball finials and a curved X-form base with painte...
Iron
Arge Bronze Sculpture "Coming Through the Rye" Frederic Remington
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, This large bronze sculpture is titled "Coming Through the Rye", depicting four cowboys on horseback with pistols raised.It is a reproduction "after" the famou...
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture of David & Slain Goliath After Antonin Mercie
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 19th century patinated bronze sculpture of the victorious David, standing on the head of the slain Goliath, after the original model by Antonin Mercie (1845-1916), meas...
Bronze
Brown Jordan “Florentine” 50" Round Glass Patio Garden Table Set - Hunter Green
By Richard Frinier, Brown Jordan
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice vintage 5-piece patio or garden dining set from Brown Jordan, designed by the renowned Richard Frinier in the late 1980s. The "Florentine" collection is among the most sought-af...
Aluminum
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Hand Painted Night Stands Cabinets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Hand Painted Wood Style: Italian Neoclassical
Wood
Antique Baccarat Cut Crystal and Dore Bronze Dresser Box with Paw Feet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Baccarat cut crystal jewelry / dresser box trimmed with ormolu. Heavily faceted featuring a diamond hand cut relief pattern. It also features a decorative circular wreath or...
Crystal, Ormolu
20th Century Sorrento Marquetry Burlwood Music Jewelry Box by La Botteguccia
Located in San Diego, CA
Late 20th Century Sorrento Marquetry Burlwood Music Jewelry Box by La Botteguccia, circa 1980. An exquisite example of traditional Italian craftsmanship, this vintage music jewelry ...
Brass
Vintage Italian Table Lamps Corinthian Column Black Gold Carved Wood a pair
By Henredon, Carole Stupell, Maison Le Dauphin
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Italian Corinthian column Lamps Style, Vintage, Neoclassical, Mid Century, Traditional, Classic Design: Traditional Corinthian Column lamps in the manner of Chapman, Henredon...
Fruitwood
$797Sale Price|47% Off
Italian 18th Century Neoclassical Silvered Carved Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Neoclassical pedestal with its original silver-leaf gilding. Great to use as a display for a small collection or just with some candles. Italy, circa 1780. Weathe...
Wood
Pair of French Neoclassical Decorative Pink Marble Urns with Bronze Mounts, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Decorative pair of French pink-veined marble urns with ornate bronze mounts and a classical cassolette form. An elegant pair of French decorative urns carved from richly veined pink...
Marble, Bronze
Pair Antique Neoclassical Style Corinthian Column Gilt Bronze Candle Holders
Located in New York, NY
Pair Neoclassical style Corinthian column form gilt bronze candle holders Late 19th- Early 20th Century Attractive, well detailed Corinthian column capitals with reeded column bodies...
Bronze
Maison Jansen Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Ram's Head Design
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen Hollywood Regency brass coffee table ram's head and hoof detailing. It has a rectangular glass top set in the brass frame. Maison Jansen was a prominent French Interior...
Brass
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Painted Settee with Carved Swan
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Italian Neoclassical painted settee features a multi-chair back style in a decorative floral painted theme. Slender tapering cabriole legs and a lightly patterned Uphols...
Wood, Paint, Fabric
1970s Italian Carved Pine French Louis XV Style Console Tables W/ Hooves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking pair of 1970s carved pine console tables with French Louis XV styling. They have a stain that is comparable to a walnut. The serpentine tops show an intentional di...
Pine
Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl
By Wedgewood
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...
Pottery
Antique Continental Neo-classical Silver Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a elegant antique continental Neo-classical silver pommel ladies walking cane, bearing a European hallmark, Circa 1870 in date. The striking stick features superb trailing r...
Silver
Cupid and Psyche Grand Tour Marble Sculpture after Antonio Canova
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) Grand Tour white Italian marble sculpture of Cupid and Psyche after Antonio Canova, mounted on variegated light brown marble plinth measuring 22 1/2 by 25 by 1...
Marble
Antique French Carved Stone Fleur de Lis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty 19th century Fleur de Lis long a symbol of French royalty, hand carved in stone, having a classical base, as a garden ornament with a perfect time earned organic patina.
Stone
Antique Baccarat Cut Crystal and Dore Bronze Dresser Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique French Crystal Jewelry casket by Baccarat. It features a diamond cut pattern with a gold toned bow clasp. Heavy, high clarity lead crystal featuring deep, hand cut diamond po...
Crystal
19th Century French Cut Crystal Chandelier 8 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 19th century cut crystal chandelier with 8 lights
Crystal
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Curule Stools w/ Fortuny Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent pair of Italian Neoclassical curule stools, embodying timeless grandeur and Hollywood Regency glamour. This elegant pair is crafted in the iconic ancient Roman curule ...
Linen, Wood
Waterford Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Cake Stand Covered Server and Punch Bowl
By Ralph Lauren, Rosenthal Netter, Marquis by Waterford, Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional example of Waterford's renowned craftsmanship, this Marquis Finley 3-in-1 Crystal Serving Set is a striking combination of beauty, ingenuity, and versatility. Expertly...
Crystal
2 French Painted & Fired Neoclassical Leaded Botanical Stained Glass Windows 62"
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Vintage reclaimed French painted and fired leadedstained glass windows. Features a Neoclassical botanical garden scene with vinbrant flowers and architecture. Signed E Couet alon...
Stained Glass, Wood
1990s Century Furniture Plaid Ralph Lauren Style Swivel Chairs Ottoman, Set of 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This fabulous set of Century Furniture swivel chairs and ottoman upholstered in a country Ralph Lauren plaid style. The ultra rare chairs and ottoman on castors exudes an air of luxu...
Upholstery, Wood
French Garden & Hunting Carriage Designs, Diderot Encyclopédie, 1771
Located in Langweer, NL
TITLE: French Garden & Hunting Carriage Designs, Diderot Encyclopédie, 1771 DESCRIPTION: Original antique 18th-century copper engraving illustrating elegant French garden, pleasure ...
Paper
$8,800 / item
1900 Leaded Glass Caldwell Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1900 Caldwell leaded glass light fixtures with interior lights
Glass
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.