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.
Set of 6 Framed Hand Coloured Botanicals Engravings By J.W Weinmann
Located in Essex, MA
Nicely framed in gold with matting. Two images darker than others but all came together and work together.
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
$210Sale Price|40% Off
1915 Framed Neo-Classic Where Terpsichore Dwells Silhouette Print by Boris Major
Located in Van Nuys, CA
1915 Neo-Classic silhouette print titled "Where Terpsichore Dwells" by Boris Major in its original frame. The print features two silhouetted figures dancing, symbolizing Terpsichore,...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Italian Contemporary Hand Coloured Red Blue Roman Vase Print G.B Piranesi 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Large Roman marble vase printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, pompeian red and blue highlights and details. Light brown ma...
Paper
Italian Neo-Classic Style Two Male Nudes Print
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic style etching of two male nudes realistically rendered, one grasping a spear, the right figure motioning toward the distance. A partial, incomplete face is spaced...
Paint
Pair of 19th Century Engraving, in Color, Representing Paris Monuments, France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
These are a pair of engraving, in color. They are representing, monuments of the city of Paris. They have been done durong the 19th century in France.
Glass, Wood, Paper
Set of Four Neoclassical Engravings After Jean Duchesne Aine
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Divine set of four framed engravings depicting neoclassical Greco-Roman sculptures from the Louvre Museum after Jean Duchesne Aine (French 1779-1855). The prints are mounted in weath...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Contemporary Italian Hand Coloured Vase Print in Villa Lante G.B Piranesi 2 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Extra large Roman marble vase on a porphyry pedestal printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, umber highlights, and matte bla...
Wood, Paper
Italian 19th Century Big Size Florence Architectural Hand-Colored Print
Located in Scandicci, Florence
A rare extra-large reproduction print, printed on engraving paper with an antique star press and watercolored by hand representing an antique capital. The capital's from a collection...
Paper
Contemporary Italian Hand Coloured Vase Print in Villa Lante G.B Piranesi 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Extra large Roman marble vase on a porphyry pedestal printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, umber highlights, and matte bla...
Wood, Paper
Framed Thoroughbred Horse Lithograph by Richard Newton Jr.
By Richard Newton
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A framed lithograph of a thoroughbred horse by Richard Newton Jr. This piece is housed in a wood frame and depicts a thoroughbred horse with a deep chestnut brown coat and a white blaze down his nose. The horse looks forward with its eyes fixed on the viewer. He has a brown bridle with gold accents. This piece is not under glass and has been professionally framed. The back includes a hanging wire. This piece was sourced from the estate of an Oklahoma horse breeder. His home was filled with the most amazing antique saddles, sculptures, show trophies, and saddle blankets. Richard Newton Jr. (1874-1951) was a famous equestrian artist known for his horse and jockey paintings...
Metal
Pair of Contemporary Italian Hand Coloured Roman Vase Prints with Black Frames
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Pair of Extra large Roman Vase printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, umber highlights, and...
Wood, Paper
Contemporary Italian Hand Coloured Antique Roman Vase Print " Museo Clementino"
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Extra large Roman vase printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, umber highlights, and matte black details. Light brown mat...
Wood, Paper
18th Century Portrait Color Engraving, Original Frame, 'A Saint Giles's Beauty'
Located in Stamford, CT
Stipple and etching, printed in dark brown ink with hand-coloring. Likely the original late 18th century frame and thus the print is in excellent condition. Print made by Francesco Bartolozzi...
Paper
Original Antique Print of The Greek Goddess, Hebe. Dated 1833
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of Hebe Fine steel engraving. Published by Fisher. Dated 1833 Unframed.
Paper
Walt Disneys "Mickey's Trailer, 1938", Iconic Color Animation Cel
Located in Stockholm, SE
Walt Disney, "Mickey's Trailer, 1938". Celluloid (xenographic line, ink-enhanced hand painted). Stamped The Walt Disney Company. Numbered 52/500. 29.5 x 49 cm. Movie "Mickey's Trailer," was the second short film, out of 100, that was produced 1938. An icon film. Published by Disney Art Editions in 1994. A certificate of authenticity executed by The Walt Disney Company accompanies the lot. Provenance: Animation Art Gallery/Amsterdam, acquired in 1995. An original production-used animation cel...
Plastic, Paper
18th Century Framed Greco-Roman Engraving, Sir William Hamilton
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century hand-colored engraving, with and unusual dynamic scene of a goddess riding a chariot pulled by two horses fighting off an attack by two griffins. With a heart-form in wh...
Paper
Roman Neo-Classic Style Recumbent Male Nude Print
Located in Queens, NY
Roman Neo-Classic-style print of recumbent male nude drawing, supported by his right arm leaning against rockery, his left pointing downward. The initials \"S.R.\" inscribed on the l...
Down
$252Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Ernest C Rost A Wayside Conversation Farm Landscape Etching 29"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century black and white etching titled "A Wayside Conversation" by Ernest Christian Rost. Landscape showing a figure on a horse speakin...
Hardwood, Paper
Audubon 3 Bird Print Large Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Audubon Lithograph of 3 Tropical Birds. Large scale and beautifully framed too. Add some Coastal Chic to your Design Project.
Paper
Giovanni Piranesi's "The Temple Of Hercules" Engraving, Framed
Located in Bradenton, FL
The Temple of Hercules Is the only surviving sacred structure in ancient Rome that was made of Greek marble. Located in on the eastern bank of Tiber, it is one of the oldest extant buildings in the city. Giovanni Piranesi memorialized this structure in his famed monumental etchings. This large black and white print...
Paper
Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Print. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful red ochre print of an 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engraving after R.Cosway. Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Text on verso The measurement is the paper size ...
Paper
"Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas" Signed by Norman Rockwell, circa 1970s
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a charming, signed print of "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas," by Norman Rockwell. The Christmastime panorama depicts the busy snow-covered town center at dusk with...
Paper
Pair of 18th Century Giovanni Battista Piranesi Framed Urn Engravings
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of framed etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian 1720-1778). The prints depict classical urns in the neoclassical Greco-Roman taste. The engravings are mounted in substantial black lacquered wood frames with a site measurement of 17 inches wide by 22.5 inches high. The first urn is a krater type supported by a Griffin pedestal...
Plexiglass, Wood, Paper
Italian Contemporary Hand Coloured Red Blue Roman Vase Print G.B Piranesi 2 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Large Roman marble vase printed on a hand press on 100% cotton engraving paper. Completely handpainted with a cream wash, pompeian red and blue highlights and details. Light brown ma...
Paper
Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Print. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful red ochre print of an 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engraving after Cipriani. Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Text on verso ...
Paper
Daniel Graves "English Village" Framed Etching 20/100, 1976
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The original etching on paper depicts old stone bridge leading to the traditional old English cottages, surrounded by hills with fields and trees in the timeless English countryside ...
Paper
Al Kaufman Framed Original Signed & Numbered Etching with COA 75/300
Located in San Diego, CA
Original 1970's etching by Listed artist Al Kaufman , framed in glass and oak with COA signed an numbered Sandalwood title.
Glass, Oak, Paper
Set of Twenty Framed 19th Century French Portrait Etchings
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic set of twenty 19th century framed etchings of Roman and Greek emperors, statesmen, and philosophers including Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Brutus...
Paper
Daniel Graves Italian Country Landscape Etching 39/100, 1982
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Graves graduated Cum Laude from the Maryland Art Institute in 1972, where he studied anatomy and painting with Joseph Sheppard and Frank Russell, then pursued etching and history pa...
Paper
Set of Four Greco-Roman Neoclassical Engravings After Passeri
By Giovanni Battista Passeri
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent set of four framed and matted Etruscan vase engravings after Giovanni Passeri (Italian) by Sir William Hamilton illustrated in the Picturea Etruscor in Vaculis. The set inclu...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Print of Venus. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of an 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engraving after Bartolozzi. Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Blank verso The meas...
Paper
Pair of Framed Neoclassical Engravings, Late 18th Early 19th century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of framed neoclassical engravings, after works painted by Jean Jacques François Le Barbier (1738 - 1826) and engraved by Jean-Jacques Avril (1744-1831), dated 1789 for the paint...
Wood, Paper
Pair 18th Century Framed Italian Etchings of Churches in Rome by Guiseppe Vasi
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 18th century Italian architectural etchings of churches in Rome by Guiseppe Vasi (1710-1782) from "Raccolta Delle Più Belle Veduta Antiche...
Paper
Italian 19th Century Big Size Florence Architectural Hand-Colored Print
Located in Scandicci, Florence
"Porta nel Vestibolo dell'antica Università dei Lanaioli - Studio al Vero del Capitello" A rare extra-large reproduction print, printed on engraving paper with an antique star press and watercolored by hand representing an antique capital...
Paper
$861Sale Price|20% Off
French Engraving of Italian Landscape View, Gold Gilt Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Engraving printed in black on laid paper framed with a neoclassical style gold leaf frame. The engraving shows a beautiful view from the Aqueduct of Corigliano, Calabria. Marks with ...
Gold Leaf
Engraving in Color Hunting Scenes with Animals signed Boris Riabouchine 20th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an engraving, in colors. With a Beautiful frame in wood. Representing an Scene of Hunting with Animals.
Wood, Paper
$700Sale Price|20% Off
Early Nineteenth Century Colored Etching of a Wall in Pompeii
Located in San Francisco, CA
A framed architectural engraving of a wall in Pompeii titled "In Casa Pseudourbana Di Pompei piano superiore Parete corta dell'antistuf...
Paper
19th-Century Pair of Equestrian Engravings – Framed Antique Hunting Prints
By William Barraud
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring the allure of the English countryside into your home with this remarkable pair of antique equestrian prints. These hand-colored engravi...
Wood, Paper, Glass
Set of Four Neoclassical Prints of Classic Figures
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Marvelous set of four 19th century neoclassical prints of Greco-Roman classical figures framed. Neoclassical academic style each mounted in gilt faux-rope frames with sage green line...
Wood, Paper
Large Nautical Boston Engraved by C. Mottram after the watercolor by J.W. Hill
By John William Hill
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
MONUMENTAL HANDCOLORED ENGRAVING - 'Boston' painted by John William Hill (NJ/CA, 1812-1879), engraved by Charles Mottram (British, 1807-1876), printed ...
Paper
Pair of Framed Wedgwood Neoclassical Lithographs, Plate XII and LX
Located in Dallas, TX
Attributed to William Griggs, circa 1880, this pair of lithographs in hand-painted black frames depict a set of Neoclassical Wedgwood amphora vases. Both prints are on cream paper, a...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
$259Sale Price|30% Off
Antique 1889 Otis S Weber Coastal New England Windmill Landscape Etching 23"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century black-and-white nautical etching by Otis S. Weber. Panoramic coastal landscape / seascape with a silhouetted windmill and sailboats in the horizon. Signed in plate ...
Giltwood, Paper
1901 Portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Jacques Reich, Signed Artists Proof
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original, pencil-signed etched portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Jacques Reich. Reich completed the portrait in 1901. Reich was Hungarian-born portrait etcher, active ma...
Paper
Vintage Framed Portrait of a Race Horse in Wood Frame by C. Frederick Sitzler
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A framed portrait of a racehorse by artist C. Fred Sitzler. It features a print of a racehorse from his ears to the tops of his shoulders. He has a black coat with a narrow white pat...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Roman Neo-Classic Style Two Male Torsos Print
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic-style print of two detailed, realistically rendered headless male torsos with a predatory wildcat prowling side view along the bottom. Matted and framed in a parc...
Paint
Early 19th Century Architectural Prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three gorgeous early 19th century architectural prints by Louis-Pierre Baltard de la Fresque (1764-1846).
Wood, Paper
pair of French mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. Prints of Bacchus and Mercury
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative pair of French mid 19th century Neo-Classical st. Prints of Bacchus and Mercury. Each wonderfully detailed print is by Jean-Baptiste-Raphael-Urbain Mas...
Giltwood, Paper
Arthur Coppedge African American Offset Print
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Wonderful offset print of an African American woman. 1970's style. Dedicated and Autographed by the artist Arthur Coppedge. Curbside to NYC/Philly $400
Paper
1864 Engraving of Lincoln's "Proclamation of Emancipation" by Charles Shober
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This 1864 engraving features the Emancipation Proclamation in elaborate calligraphic text, with five patriotic vignettes and a small portrait of Lincoln. This is the second issue of ...
Paper
Three 19th Century Geramia Discanno Hand Coloured Lithographs Depicting Pompeii
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of three 19th century Geramia Discanno hand coloured lithographs, captured from the walls of Pompeii. The frescoes are believed to be prints from a book published in 1890 by on...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Pair of Framed Wedgwood Neoclassical Lithographs, Plate XLV and XXIX
Located in Dallas, TX
Attributed to William Griggs, circa 1880, this pair of lithographs in hand-painted black frames depict a set of Neoclassical Wedgwood amphora vases. Both prints are on cream paper, a...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Print. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful red ochre print of an 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engraving after Anjelica Kauffmann. Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Text...
Paper
Amaina Print "Midnight Moon", blue color signed and titled Blue Color USA
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Amaina Print "Midnight Moon", blue color signed and titled Blue Color USA
Wood, Paper
Pair of Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Prints. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful prints of 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engravings after Lady Diana Beauclerk Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Blank verso ...
Paper
Italian 19th Century Big Size Florence Architectural Hand-Coloured Print
Located in Scandicci, Florence
A rare extra-large reproduction print, printed on engraving paper with an antique star press and watercoloured by hand representing an antique capital....
Paper
Antique Neo-Classical Bartolozzi Print of Ceres. 1907
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of an 18th Century Francesco Bartolozzi engraving after Bartolozzi. Publshed by Otto Limited, London 1907 Blank verso The meas...
Paper
1980s John Henry Twachtman Arques-la-Bataille Landscape Fine Art Print, Framed
By John Henry Twachtman 1
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous 1980s John Henry Twachtman, Arques-la-Bataille fine art print. The painting print depicts a serene landscape scene near Arques-la-Bataille, a town in Normandy, France, speci...
Aluminum
18th Century Italian Milan View Etching by Aspari Domenico 1788
By Domenico Aspari
Located in Milano, MI
A rare view of Milan, an 18th century Italian etching and burin engraving with original ebonized walnut frame and glass depicting San Paolo delle Monache a Milan view, dated 1788, by...
Paper, Canvas, Walnut
Charles Fazzino In a Yankee State of Mind 2005 Signed Three-Dimensional Litho
By Charles Fazzino
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A detailed three-dimensional lithograph titled "In a Yankee State of Mind" by celebrated pop artist Charles Fazzino, known for his exuberant cityscapes and sculptural layering techni...
Paper
Pair 18th Century Hand Colored Engravings of Brussels by Frederic Leizel
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of hand colored engravings of the Royal Palace and Brussels Park by Balthasar Friedrich Leizelt (also spelled Leizel, active 1750–1800) a German artist and copperplate engraver working from Augsburg. These are beautiful and evocative renderings of architecture, open space and perspective. 1- Place Royal A Bruxelles 2- Vue Du Parc A Bruxelles 22 inches wide 18 high Leizelt produced a series of European and American scenic views at a time when pictures of foreign countries and people were popular and designed for use in optical viewers. As is normal for these prints the series title is a mirror image because optical viewers made use of mirrors which reversed the image. The Age of Enlightenment sparked a great interest in science, so that optical toys...
Paper