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Neoclassical Paintings

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
19th Century American Portrait of Joseph Stringham
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century American Portrait of Joseph Stringham (1776-1834) Oil on Canvas Later Giltwood Frame Presenting an exquisite 19th-century ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Robert Cox Still Life of a Vase of Red roses, circa 1970
By COX
Located in ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE, FR
Award-Winning American artist, Robert Cox, studied at the Katharine Gibbs School of Art. In 1956 he joined Mayhew Peakes as a graphic designer, and resigned six years later to move f...
Category

1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

19th Century American School Nautical Painting
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century American School Nautical Painting. Wonderful oil on panel maritime painting of steam yacht with American flag. Signed by A Benson in lower right corner. Framed in ornate...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood

Fine Signed Painting of a Tall Sailing Ship James Gale Tyler
By James Gale Tyler
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional maritime oil painting, signed by renowned American artist James Gale Tyler (1855–1931), beautifully captures the majesty of a tall sailing ship navigating through de...
Category

1890s American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Fruitwood

Large Oil Painting of Flowers by Chinese Artist Henry Peeters 'Hing Biu'
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive large oil painting by Henry Peeters (Hing Biu) captures the timeless beauty of a lush floral garden with masterful detail and a vibrant palett...
Category

1990s Chinese Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Set of Four Architectural Engravings in the Manner of Piranesi
Located in Queens, NY
SET of Four Architectural Engravings in beige painted ceruse oak frames (in the Manner of Piranesi) PRICED AS SET)
Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vitorio Splendore Pair of Vintage Palm Tree Paintings
By Vitorio Splendore
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming pair of Italian oil paintings on canvas of two palm trees on an aged cream colored background with the artist monkey logo and pa...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Italian Neo-Classic Architecture Print
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic engravings of architecture in a gold frame (18th/19th Cent)
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paper

19th Century Antique Portrait of Virginia Gentleman, Oil on Canvas, Framed
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique oil on canvas portrait of an unknown 19th Century Virginian Gentleman, beautifully framed to retain its sense of time and place. Rich brush strok...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Antique Mini Neoclassical Grand Tour Style Oil Painting On Board of A Landscape
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: (FRAME)-H: 7 3/4in W: 9 1/8in D: 1 3/4in (PAINTING)- H: 4 1/2in W: 5 7/8in D: 1 3/4in This Miniature Antique Neoclassical Grand Tour Style Oil Painting On Board of A ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century American Antebellum Portrait of a Lady, Original Giltwood Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century American Antebellum Portrait of a Lady, Original Giltwood Frame Oil on Canvas 36-inches high x 30-inches wide Apparently Unsigned USA, Circa 1850s This 19th-century ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Original Gilbert Stuart Oil Painting Portrait of Henrietta Hillegas, ca. 1796
By Gilbert Stuart
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Gilbert Stuart oil painting portrait of Henrietta Hillegas (Mrs. Joseph Anthony), ca. 1796 Exquisite portrait by the American painter Gilber...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Cabin Run Covered Bridge Bucks County Pennsylvania Impressionist Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist Bucks County - Winter is here and the calmness of night is approaching. A covered bridge gently perched above a lively stream with banks of fresh snow. The ground is co...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Antique Framed Hudson River School, River Landscape with Figures in a Sailboat
By James McDougal Hart
Located in Morristown, NJ
Oil on canvas board, unsigned. A charming small-scale landscape in the manner of the Hudson River School, depicting a tranquil river scene with figures in a sailboat drifting past a ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

19th Century, View of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Follower of Francesco Guardi
By Francesco Guardi
Located in IT
19th Century, View of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Follower of Francesco Guardi Dimensions: frame, cm W 121.5 x H 105 x D 5.5. Canvas cm W 100 x H 81 The work, created by a Venetian ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

18th century Dutch school attributed to Mattheus Terwesten : allegory of wealth
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine early 18th century Flemish school circa 1730, oil on panel attributed to Mattheus Terwesten (a partial signature next to the pedestal) set into its gold leaf gilt carved wood....
Category

Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Oak

19th Century Italian Oil Painting "Madonna of the Harpies" Aft Andrea Del Sarto
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room, library or study with this important antique painting. Created in Italy circa 1850, and set in the original carved gilt wood frame, the hand painted canvas titled "Madonna of the Harpies", depicts the Virgin Mary holding her Child, our Lord, Jesus Christ; She is flanked by Saint John the Evangelist, and either Saint Francis or Saint Bonaventure. The large religious painting...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Original Arch Shaw Oil Painting of a Classic Antique Automobile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Original Arch Shaw Oil Painting of a Classic Antique Automobile
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

19th Century Renaissance Revival Portrait of a Young Man
Located in Peabody, MA
A late 19th Century Renaissance Revival profile portrait of a young man, Italian School, ca. 1880s. This atmospheric portrait comes to us from a prominent North Shore of Boston fami...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

American Classical Portrait of a Lady
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American classical portrait of a lady. American School, unsigned. Measures: Oil on canvas 25"x 30" Period gilt frame 29" x 34" x 2" Professional...
Category

1820s American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

19th-Century Watercolor by Claude Thiénon – River Scene with Boat and Church
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
19th-Century Watercolor by Claude Thiénon – River Scene with Boat and Church This exquisite 19th-century watercolor by French artist Claude Thiénon captures a serene riverside scene...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Monumental Signed Henry Arthur Elkins Oil Painting of Colorado Mountain River
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
The table is not included. This is a truly monumental, museum-worthy oil painting signed Henry Arthur Elkins. The painting is absolutely enormous ...
Category

1870s American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Walnut

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 Paintings

Materials

Pottery

New York City 5th Avenue Empire State Impressionist Winter Scene Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist New York City, a snowy winter day on 5th avenue. Cars fill the street and snow fills the air. The city that never sleeps gleaming with patriotic pride with the famous E...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Monumental Mid-19thC Carved and Gilded Frame with Madonna Della Seggiola Replica
Located in Sarasota, FL
A monumental Italian mid-19th century ornately carved and gilded frame surrounds an oil on canvas signed painting, by listed artist E.Pieracinni. The frame is carved with elaborate s...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood

Empire Portrait Painting of Julie and Desiree Clary by Robert Lefevre
By Robert Jacques LeFevre
Located in Essex, MA
Period First Empire portrait of the Sisters Julie and Desiree Clary, Future Queens of Spain and Sweden by Robert Jacques Francois Lefevre (1755...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Washington D.C. Capital Hill Impressionist Winter Monument Scene Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist Washington D.C., a snowy winter day on the hill. The capital is covered in a blanket of soft snow as pedestrians head out for evening festivities and sightseeing. Light...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Wall Decoration 'En Grisaille' by Dufour, Paris, France, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
Papiers peints 'En Grisaille' from the psyche´ series manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte. Depicting `the Reconciliation of Venus ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paper

Large Italian Oil on Canvas en Grisaille Depicting Volumnia Veturi & Coriolanus
Located in London, GB
A fine and large Italian oil on canvas en grisaille depiciting Volumnia and Veturia with their retinue pleading with Coriolanus to make peace with Rome. The later frame is silver gil...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Race Day" Horse Race Painting by Jenness Cortez
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on panel by Jenness Cortez signed and dated lower left beautifully framed and matted measuring 16" x 21" including the frame. This painting features two jockeys and their race h...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Philadelphia Art Museum Impressionist Winter Rocky Monument Scene Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist Philadelphia Pa, a snowy winter day at the museum. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is covered in a blanket of soft snow as pedestrians walk the stunning grounds and admi...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

18th Century, Roman Architectural Capriccio Attributed to Francesco Chiarottini
Located in IT
Francesco Chiarottini (1748-1796) Roman Architectural Capriccio Oil on glass, cm 52 x 67 without frame, 63.5 x 79cm with frame The valuable painting, attributed to the Italian p...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Glass

Oil painting of Vestal Virgin by J. schultz
Located in Houston, TX
The painting is very fine work with the subject of a beautiful Woman as the vestal virgin. The face is exquisite and the Costume draping is well done. The frame is in great conditio...
Category

Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Love Scene Painting by Emile Beranger, 19th Century
By Jean Baptiste Antoine Emile Beranger
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th Century painting of a couple in love / gallant scene of Greco-Roman inspiration of the School of Antoine Watteau Watteau by Jean Baptiste Emile Beranger. ‘Beranger’ Signature...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

19th Century Original Oil Nautical Maritime Seascape Sail Boat
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Nautical Maritime Seascape Sail Boat The Artist is Dutch painter Albert Hess signed lower right.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Morning Sunrise Provincetown MA Pride Flag Impressionist Bird House Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist large Provincetown Massachusetts - A sunny and prideful morning walk in Provincetown. Birds soaring over the hill, with sail boats drifting in the wind below. Centering...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Charles Chaplin (French, 1825-1891) Portrait de la famille Gros
By Charles Chaplin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Chaplin (French, 1825-1891) Portrait de la famille Gros, placed in an ornate hand carved gilt wood frame. signed and dated 'Ch. Chaplin. 1860' (lower left) oil on canvas Dim...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Portrait painting of William I, inspired from artist Johann Heinrich Tischbein
Located in Birmingham, AL
This painting is a replica of a painting of a museum potriat painting The portrait showcases the style of the 18th century. ) Kurfürst von Hessen. The framed portrait The image is ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Italian 19C Big Architectural Hand-coloured Print with Black and Gold Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Rare extra-large (cm 59 x 85) antique watercolour of capital from a collection of architectural details of Florence monuments painted in Italy in the middle of 19th Century. Black ma...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

18th Century Old Masters Oil Painting Attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
18th century old masters oil painting attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France. View of a Mediterranean port at sunset. Great pi...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Italian Neo-Classic Print of 3 Urns
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style print of a classic ornate urn raised on a pedestal and 2 smaller urn studies on either side in a black and silvered wood frame
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood

Large Midcentury Original Impressionism Oil Painting Landscaping by Thomas
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful colors extra large framed oil on canvas painting by Thomas circa 1970s, frame its original shows some wear but looks good.
Category

20th Century North American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original Oil Painting, a Couple in a Horse Team by French Painter Bousquet
By Bousquet
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This painting, is an original oil painting. Representing an 19th century couple, in a horse team. They are dressed in the clothes of the time, impressive dress and top hat . It has b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Monumental Framed Oil on Canvas Pastural Landscape
Located in Essex, MA
By Hans Jacob Maurer, signed and dated J.B Maurer, 1780. Stylistically, this painting is reminiscent of the plein air and fete champetre movements of the French, 18th century court p...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Other

Italian 18th Century Neo-Classical Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely charming Italian 18th century Neo-Classical oil on canvas painting. The circular painting retains its original giltwood frame with a beautiful mottled designs and finely...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Original Oil on Canvas Southwest Desert Plein Air Painting by Dorothy Glascow
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous original oil on canvas southwest desert plein air landscape painting by listed artist Dorothy Glascow, circa 1950s. This wonderful piece measures 33.25" x 27"and it is signe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Canvas, Burl

Floral Still Life Oil Painting with Beautiful Original Frame, 1940s
Located in Fulton, CA
Artist signed still life oil painting of flowers and tablecloth, circa. 1940s. Appears to be signed J. W. Arthur? Retains original period frame. Partial exhibit label on verso. Measu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

19th Century Neoclassical Spanish Large Genre Painting Attr.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Neoclassical Spanish Large Genre Painting attr. Stunning oil painting on a large-scale canvas features a Gypsy musician serenading a group of nobility, including elaborately dressed ladies. The scene takes place in a romanticized garden setting on an early evening. The background is adorned with colonnades, statues and additional people. This Spanish painting has distinctive characteristics of French and Italian influence of the Baroque and Neoclassical periods. The brilliant artist has mastered the perfect use of chiaroscuro, the interplay of light and dark. The subject and masterful technique indicates it was created by the hand of Jose Jimenez Aranda...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Small Framed Acrylic on Wood Still-Life Oil Painting, signed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This miniature oil painting, titled Delft Pitcher is signed by the artist Alva Holcombe. The scene includes the blue and white Delft pitcher, books and fruit all sitting on a white d...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Triptych of Large Religious Oil Paintings
Located in Buxton, GB
This exquisite triptych features three stunning paintings with a religious theme. The golden background adds a touch of elegance to this piece, which is sure to be a showstopper in a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Antique Original Oil on Canvas Painting by Paul E. Harney 1901
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique original oil on canvas painting by Paul E. Harney, circa 1901. This wonderful Harney barnyard scene is in good vintage condition and measures 18.5" x 15.5" x 1.5" overall and...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

"The Plaza Hotel December" New York City Impressionist Winter Scene Oil Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Impressionist New York City, a joyful December evening outside of the Plaza Hotel. A cheerful child greets the horse and carriage as snow fills the air. Flags sway in the winter bree...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Boho Original Western Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho original oil painting. A chic western country side in pale neutral colors. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Framed Painting, Michael Lemmermeyer
Located in Bradenton, FL
Michael Lemmermeyer (American, 1891-1970). Framed Oil on Canvas in heavy impasto paint. Wonderful scene of a circus with children and adults around circus tents having fun. Bright c...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Rocky Mountain Vista" by John C Terelak
Located in Wiscasset, ME
A monumental 59" x 82" with frame oil on canvas painting of a rocky mountain vista by John Terelak. Signed and dated lower left and inscribed verso. It ...
Category

1990s American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

Antique French Neoclassical Grisaille Overdoor Painting, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-painted in France, this handsome grisaille overdoor painting is from the neoclassical period, circa 1815. Grisaille is a monochromatic painting ...
Category

1810s French Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Canvas

American Oil on Board Landscape with Young Lady and Rabbit, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American oil on board landscape of young lady standing by rabbit in foreground with the original molded pine frame and wood backing. Early 19th century.
Category

1820s American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Miniature Watercolor Painting Portrait of a Woman Neoclassical Frame
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique miniature watercolor portrait of a woman in a neoclassical style, set without glass in a brass frame. Measures: 1.875” x 0.125” x 1.87...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Brass

"An Afternoon Sail" Painting by George Nemethy
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on board, signed with the artist monogram in the lower right. The light in this painting exudes the tranquility to a wonderful afternoon of sailing in calm waters. The dimesion...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Paint

19th century American Southern Portrait by Benoni Irwin
By Benoni Irwin
Located in Savannah, GA
Oil on canvas portrait entitled:Mr. Bowles of Kentucky, painted by Benoni Irwin (1840-1896) an American portraitist born in new market, Ontario, Canada. He moved to New York as a you...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical paintings 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 paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paint, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical paintings 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 paintings, popular names associated with this style include Christopher Willett, Mitch Billis, George C Thomas, and Jean-Victor Bertin. 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 paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $175,000 while the average work can sell for $3,200.

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