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.
Vintage European Château and Pastoral Landscape Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
An elegant vintage French Aubusson-style tapestry from circa 2000, this decorative textile presents a richly detailed pastoral scene surrounded by classical architecture and elaborat...
Wool, Cotton
Fragment of an 18th-century Aubusson Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A historical scene in a landscaped architectural setting, woven in wool and silk, depicting a couple with a palace to the left. Some damage and restorations noted. Dimensions: 88"w ...
Wool, Silk
VINTAGE FRENCH RAMBOUILLET TAPESTRY “TRAVAIL DE LA LAINE” AFTER LOUVRE ORiGINAL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Vintage French Rambouillet Tapestry “Travail de la Laine” After Lou...
Fabric
LARGE VINTAGE LADY & THE UNICORN À MON SEUL DÉSIR FRENCH TAPESTRY WALL HANGiNG
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Large Vintage Lady & The Unicorn À Mon Seul Désir French Tapestry Wall Hanging Please note: The de...
Fabric
Monumental 18th Century Flemish Verdure Tapestry with Classical Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This monumental 18th century Flemish verdure tapestry, woven circa 1780, measures over ten-and-a-half feet wide and depicts an elaborate classical court scene, possibly from the life of Alexander the Great. The central armored figure, shown wearing a plumed helmet and richly detailed military dress, stands among noble attendants and finely dressed female figures beneath a parasol, while a secondary group of figures appears at the right within the wooded landscape. The composition is framed by lush trees, flowering plants, stylized foliage, and architectural garden elements, creating the depth and drama associated with fine European verdure tapestry work. Woven in a beautifully aged palette of soft blue, teal, taupe, cream, beige, and brown, the antique textile has a time-softened surface that gives it tremendous old world presence. Its impressive scale makes it an exceptional architectural wall decoration for a dining room, living room, library, grand entry, stair landing, or large paneled interior. The tapestry has been later backed with canvas for support and finished with a blue border for presentation. In very good condition commensurate with age and use, all consistent with an antique woven textile...
Tapestry, Wool
Vintage Tapestry by Hans Krondahl 1'10" x 2'1"
Located in New York, NY
Soft Neutral Vintage Artistic Hans Krondahl Flower Tapestry by Hans Krondahl, country of origin: America, Circa date: Vintage
Wool, Linen
JEAN-BATISTE MONNOYER (After) - Wool & Silk Beauvais Tapestry - France - C. 1848
By Beauvais Royal Manufactory, Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer
Located in Chatham, ON
JEAN-BAPTISTE MONNOYER (1636-1699) Designer (After) - BEAUVAIS TAPESTRY MANUFACTORY Maker - 'Vase of Flowers and Red Parrot' - Antique hand woven floral tapestry - the floral tapestr...
Wool, Silk
Soft Neutral Vintage Artistic Hans Krondahl Flower Tapestry 1'6" x 1'6"
Located in New York, NY
Soft Neutral Vintage Artistic Hans Krondahl Flower Tapestry by Hans Krondahl, country of origin: America, Circa date: Vintage
Wool, Linen
Early 20th Century French Attributed Aubusson Tapestry Wall Panels, Set of Three
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant set of three antique French tapestry wall panels is attributed to the Aubusson workshops and dates to circa 1920. Each vertical panel is woven with a classical still-lif...
Tapestry
French Empire Neoclassical Grisaille Silk Embroidered Tapestry Panoramic Art
Located in Hong Kong, HK
French Empire Neoclassical Grisaille Silk Embroidered Tapestry Panoramic Art titled "Psyche at Her Bath" by Alexander's Collection. This unique 1/1 masterpiece scales the academic gr...
Silk
A Very Fine Framed Tapestry
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Tapestry depicting a tree in the background and a basket with fruits & pitcher in the foreground. Mounted in wooden gilt painted frame. Dimensions: Height 43 3/4" Width ...
Tapestry, Wood
19th c. Textile Fragment Homespun Blue & White Jacquard Coverlet Eagle & Stars
Located in Litchfield, CT
Framed antique 19th century textile fragment of homespun jacquard coverlet "Eagle & Stars" dated 1838. Measures 21" x 13". Good condition - wear to wood frame. Presents well.
Fabric
French Aubusson Wool Tapestry with Floral Cartouche and Bird Motif, Circa 1920
Located in Los Angeles, US
A refined French Aubusson tapestry woven in wool, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. The design centers on a graceful floral cartouche featuring roses and garden blossoms ...
Wool
$825Sale Price|25% Off
Rosemary Pipkin Jackson (American 20th C.), Nefertiti Needlework Panel, Signed
Located in Germantown, MD
Rosemary Pipkin Jackson (American 20th Century), Nefertiti, Needlework panel, Framed., Signed and numbered. Measures 21" in width and 25" in height.
Cotton, Wood
$3,400
19th Century Tapestry
Located in Miami, FL
19th century tapestry. Frame measurements: 1.5in.
Cotton, Wool
Antique Turkish Pictorial Rug, Hand-Knotted, Neoclassical, 1900
Located in Savannah, GA
This antique pictorial rug has all the bells and whistles. The two central figures featured are a woman and a flute player gathered around a shr...
Wool, Cotton
Antique Floral Design And Soft Colored Rare American Tapestry 4'9" x 6'10"
Located in New York, NY
A Classically Crafted Antique Floral Design And Soft Colored Rare American Tapestry, Origin: America, Circa: Turn of the Twentieth Century
Wool
Colorful 19th Century Antique American Hooked Rug with Diamond Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 4'1 x 8'8. American hooked rugs are indigenous to the Northeast of the United States and Eastern Canada. Their production began in the mid-1800s, gradually spreading lower in to North America. Early American Hooked rugs...
Cotton
280CM X 180CM NEOCLASSICAL GRAND TOUR WOVEN TAPESTRY PANEL ROMAN GREEK MOTiFS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Large Neoclassical Grand Tour Style Woven Tapestry Panel Roman Greek Motifs Please note: The delivery ...
Fabric
American Folk Art Hook Rug, Wall Hanging, Multi-Color Paisley Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
Amazing Folk Art American hook rug, wall hanging. Multi-color repeating paisley. Stunning black background. Amazing, whimsical piece of art.
Wool
Vintage Tapestry Wall Hanging Decor Hunting Scene
Located in Barntrup, DE
This colorful vintage tapestry depicts a European hunting scene from the 18th century. It is made from wool and cotton and features four loops for easy hanging. Crafted in Belgium d...
Wool, Cotton
French Hanging Tapestry
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good French lined hanging tapestry, in very good order throughout. 35" high 54" wide You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please phone ahead of visiting. Alte...
Wool
Fine and Rare Pastoral Aubusson Tapestry, France 18th Century
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite rare 18th-century Aubusson tapestry beautifully captures the refined elegance and pastoral charm associated with the Louis XV period. Masterfully woven, it depicts a r...
Wool, Silk
$35,000
H 107 in W 97 in D 1 in
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Verdure Landscape Tapestry with Birds
Located in New York, NY
French, 18th century Verdure Aubusson tapestry handwoven in wool with silk highlights set within a complete floral border. Two birds wade a...
Wool, Silk, Tapestry
$7,877
H 75.99 in W 51.97 in D 0.3 in
Antique French Tapestry Handwoven French Tapestry Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Rare Antique French Tapestry Verdure Human Flirting Scene Beige after "Francois Boucher" "This is an outstanding one-of-a-kind handmade Antique French Aubusson Tapestry after "Franc...
Wool
$16,000
H 111 in W 118 in D 0.25 in
18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry with Pastoral Landscape and Goats
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a large wall with this elegant, nearly square handwoven tapestry from Aubusson, France, circa 1760. The antique wall hanging depicts a tranquil countryside scene complete wi...
Tapestry
$7,650
H 131.89 in W 104.33 in D 0.25 in
9x11 Vintage Monumental Medieval French Tapestry Lady Unicorn Millefleur
Located in New York, NY
This vintage monumental French tapestry depicts a celebrated medieval-inspired scene in the tradition of The Lady and the Unicorn, featuring noble figures, mounted knights, heraldic ...
Wool, Cotton
Vintage French Scenic Tapestry Wall Hanging, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This vintage scenic tapestry shows courting couples in an idyllic country setting by a lake, a cherub statue, waterfall. It is made in a soft, light color palette of greens, pinks, a...
Fabric, Tapestry
Monumental 18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry, France
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental 18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry From the historical residence Chateau de Nernier, situated on the French side of Lake Geneva: A magnificent French verdure tapestry, woven in wool and silk at the renowned Aubusson workshops in the early 18th century. This richly detailed piece features a lush woodland landscape with delicate architectural elements and meandering waterways inhabited by elegant wading birds. The composition is framed by an intricately woven floral border that enhances the tapestry’s pastoral...
Wool, Silk
$5,780Sale Price|20% Off
H 80.32 in W 60.24 in D 0.3 in
Antique French Tapestry Handwoven French Tapestry Verdure Scenic Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful pictorial antique French tapestry created after William Morris, inspired by the famous mille fleurs tapestries of Cluny, Paris, and featuring a richly detailed ve...
Wool
Antique 17th Century Flemish Verdure Landscape Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique square 17th century flemish Verdure landscape tapestry without figures in a beautiful and rich summer scene of a countryside with lush trees and vegetation...
Tapestry, Wool
18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18th Century European Hand-Woven Aubusson Verdure Tapestry depicting a woodland nature scene. Made in France circa 18th Century. Finely woven with cloth backing.
Tapestry, Wool
Nice 17th century Aubusson tapestry fragment panel
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful antique Aubusson tapestry fragment dating from the 17th century, featuring a finely dressed female figure in a classic, possibly allegorical or pastoral scene. The composi...
Cotton, Silk
$35,000
H 0.2 in W 146 in D 114 in
Antique 18th Century Flemish Verdure Hand Woven Tapestry 9'6 x 12'2
Located in New York, NY
Antique flemish verdure tapestry, 9'6 x 12'2. This antique Flemish tapestry, probably from Brussels is a pure verdure, no humans, just one bird and no animals disturb the sylvan tran...
Wool
$342
H 35.44 in W 47.25 in D 0.79 in
The Lady and the Unicorn. Tapestry. 20th century, following medieval models.
Located in Madrid, ES
The Lady and the Unicorn. Tapestry. 20th century, following medieval models. Tapestry inspired by one of the series currently known as “The Lady and the Unicorn”, made up of six wor...
Other
LARGE VINTAGE MEDIEVAL COURTSHIP SCENE FiGURAL WOVEN TAPESTRY WALL HANGING
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Large Vintage Medieval Courtship Scene Figural Woven Tapestry Wall Hanging Please note: The delivery f...
Fabric
Large Italian Antique Silk Embroidery, 19th Century
Located in Fukuoka, JP
An impressive large-scale antique silk embroidery from Italy, dating to early 19th century. Executed with exceptional finesse, this textile dem...
Silk
Sold
H 29 in W 50 in D 1.5 in
Rosemary Pipkin Jackson (American 20th C.), Classical Scene, Needlework Frame
Located in Germantown, MD
Rosemary Pipkin Jackson (American 20th Century), Classical Scene, Needlework panel, Framed., Signed Measures 50" in width and 29" in height.
Wood, Wool, Cotton
Sold
H 106.5 in W 204 in D 0.25 in
17 Foot Long Signed Flemish Tapestry from the Series of 7 Liberal Arts, C. 1670
Located in Dallas, TX
During Medieval times, scholars studied a specific set of curriculum known as the Seven Liberal Arts, which were designed to educate free citizens so they could make informed decisio...
Textile, Wool, Linen, Silk
Sold
H 192 in W 100 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Hand Woven Neo-Classical Wall Tapestry with Roman Figures and Ruins
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a large wall or a staircase with this important and colorful tapestry. Hand woven with 100% wool, the long tapestry depicts an outdoor scene w...
Wool
Neoclassical Tapestry in Mixed Silk
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful tapestry from the 1950s. The beautiful and sumptuous tapestry has been entirely handmade, with mixed silk fabric and a wooden loom. The threads of fabric that make up the ...
Silk
Early 19th Century Tapestry after a Watteau Work
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th century tapestry after a Watteau work is an exquisitely rendered hand knotted piece of art! It is said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and master artist Antoi...
Wool
19th Century Carpet from Aubusson
Located in Brussels, BE
Big carpet from Aubusson, with beautiful ornemental flowers. The Aubusson tapestry manufacture of the 17th and 18th centuries managed to compete with the r...
Tapestry
18th Century French Toile De Jouy Textile Panel
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic piece of early toile, the color faded but the very detailed images intact. Including a charming scene of two boys dancing to a drummer, ships at sea, A family gathering wit...
Large Gobelin, Probably Brussels, 1770-1780
Located in Greding, DE
Impressive Louis Seize Gobelin dating from 1770-1780 and is probably from Brussels. This tapestry is in a very good condition and depicts a heron bird in an idyllic landscape with a ...
Fabric, Wool
Large French 19th Century Tapestry
Located in Miami, FL
An antique French fine tapestry, circa 1880. A nobility scene. Measurements frame: 1.5 in. This tapestry depicting Diego Velasquez's painting, hangin...
Cotton, Wool
Silver Thread Embroidered Yellow Silk Chasuble Cape
Located in New York, NY
Silver thread embroidered yellow silk chasuble cape. Exquisite antique Neapolitan hand-embroidered silver thread on yellow silk chasuble from a private...
Silk
Framed Hermés Scarf, "Columbus Les Ameriques"
By Hermès
Located in Atlanta, GA
A blue edition of Hermes silk scarf Columbus Les Ameriques. Nicely displayed in a gilt wood frame. The scarf was designed by Kermit Oliver, the only A...
Giltwood, Silk
Early 19th Century English Needlework
Located in Katonah, NY
An English silk needlework embroidery in excellent condition and retaining good original colors. The needlework depicts a rural scene of a moth...
Silk