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.
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
JEAN-BATISTE MONNOYER (After) - Wool & Silk Beauvais Tapestry - France - C. 1848
By Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, Beauvais Royal Manufactory
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
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
17 Foot Long Signed Flemish Tapestry from the Series of 7 Liberal Arts, C. 1670
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Originally part of a series of tapestries from Flemish weaver Michel Wauters, depicting the Seven Liberal Arts. This massive tapestry (well over eight...
Textile, Wool, Linen, Silk
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
Psyche at Her Bath: Unique Museum-Grade Hand-Embroidered Silk Tapestry, 1/1
Located in Hong Kong, HK
"Psyche at Her Bath": A Neoclassical 1/1 Masterpiece. This Statement Piece defines Quiet Luxury. Unique Contemporary Fiber Art, hand-embroidered in silk. VIP White-Glove delivery fro...
Silk
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
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
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
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
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
$3,400
19th Century Tapestry
Located in Miami, FL
19th century tapestry. Frame measurements: 1.5in.
Cotton, Wool
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
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...
Cotton, 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
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
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
18th Century Beauvais Tapestry - Design after Jean Berain
By Jean Bérain
Located in New York, NY
-Beauvais Tapestry, Designed after Jean Berain -18th Century -81 x 182 cm, 32 x 72 in -Provenance, from a private French collection This tapestry comes from the so-called “Grotesqu...
Wool, Silk
Ottoman Silk Chintamani Motif Hand Embroidered Suzani Tapestry
Located in London, GB
Journey into the heart of the Ottoman Empire's artistic legacy with our exquisite Suzani hand embroidery items. Each piece is a living canvas of tradition, meticulously crafted by sk...
Cotton, 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
$83Sale Price|40% Off
H 20.48 in W 8.67 in D 0.04 in
9"x21" Embroidered 100% Silk Wall Hanging. Blue Traditional Tapestry
Located in Spring Valley, NY
This elegant wall hanging is made from 100% natural silk and features delicate embroidery inspired by traditional Suzani textile patterns. The refined craftsmanship and timeless desi...
Silk
$8,049Sale Price|20% Off
H 79.93 in W 70.08 in D 0.3 in
6x7 Antique French Tapestry Large Oversized Tapestry Wool & Silk 178x203cm c1900
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent antique French tapestry depicting a scenic river with a central fountain and a large flowering tree, beautifully composed with rich verdure elements, dating to circa 19...
Wool
19th Century Continental Silk Embroidery Of A Resting Parrot
Located in Atlanta, GA
This finely executed silk embroidery depicts a parrot perched in profile upon a branching limb, presented with an elegant economy of setting that recalls the decorative natural hist...
Silk, Giltwood
$7,800Sale Price|35% Off
H 100 in W 61.5 in D 0.3 in
Rare Large Format Antique Suzani Silk Embroidery, 19th C.
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
This large 19th century Suzani embroidery is an exceptional example of Central Asian textile artistry, originating from Uzbekistan. Composed of silk embroidery on a cotton ground, th...
Cotton, Silk
French 18th Century Tapestry Fragment
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vibrant botanical theme tapestry fragment comes from 18th century France, at the peak of the Verdure tradition. Two narrow panels were hand-stitched together as one hanging, wit...
Fabric, Textile, Tapestry, Wool
Ottoman Silk Red Tulip Hand Embroidered Suzani Tapestry
Located in London, GB
Suzani tapestries are a type of embroidered textile that originated in Central Asia, and were popular throughout the Ottoman Empire. These decorative textiles were hand-crafted by sk...
Cotton, Silk
$2,650
H 41.5 in W 8 in D 0.13 in
Antique 17th Century Baroque Italian Silk, Metallic Thread Embroidery Panel
Located in New York, NY
Fine 17th century Baroque period silk and metallic thread embroidery panel. Excellent vibrant colors of bold burgundy, pale cream and beautiful, elegant teal with a border of textur...
Metallic Thread
19th Century Uzbek Silk Embroidered Suzani Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
19th century Uzbekistani hand spun linen Suzani with silk embroidered floral motif and silk ikat border. Reverse side has original antique Fine hand printed cotton backing.
Linen, Silk
Antique French Beauvais Tapestry from the Late 17th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a large, horizontal fragment of a late 17th century Beauvais tapestry. Beauvais tapestry manufacture was one of the most well-known tapestry workshops in France. Beauvais was...
Wool, 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 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