Neoclassical Chairs
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 North American Neoclassical Chairs
Maple, Paint
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Cherry
1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Marble
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Canvas, Maple
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Wicker, Wood
1980s Colombian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Bone
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Linen, Poplar
1990s Spanish Neoclassical Chairs
Wood, Leather
1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wood
1980s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century North American Neoclassical Chairs
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Wood, Damask
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Straw, Wood
20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Rush, Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Chairs
Canvas, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Ebony
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Walnut
15th Century and Earlier American Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Maple, Paint
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Burl
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Brass
1990s American Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
1980s European Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Wrought Iron
1980s Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Cotton, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Oak
1980s Spanish Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Chairs
Iron
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Leather, Walnut
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Linen
1990s American Neoclassical Chairs
Rattan, Wood
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Chairs
Brass, Iron
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Chairs
Aluminum, Gold