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.
Framed 18th-Century Painting with 1794 Note, Germany, Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and historically evocative framed painting accompanied by an original parchment document dating to 1794. The handwritten note, preserved behind the painting within the fra...
Wood
$7,932Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Painting on Copper, "The Mockery of Christ”
Located in Milano, IT
Painting on copper. Italian school of the late 17th century. The scene, which recounts a moment in the Passion of Christ, is filled with the charac...
Copper
Framed Portrait Painting of a Man with Beard by American Artist Genie Brock
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vertical portrait painting of a man by American artist Genie Brock. (Oklahoma, circa early 20th century) The subject is of an older gentleman with a gray head of hair and beard. He s...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Watercolor of the American Barque A.J. Harvey in Marseilles by Honore Pellegrin
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Watercolor featuring the American Barque A.J. Harvey. Inscribed in the lower center of the painting and with the original handwritten adn signed label on the reverse. "Barque A.J. ...
Paint, Paper
"Long Island Sailing Grounds" Watercolor by Cappy Hjalmar Amundson
By Cappy
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a unique Water color by the famed nautical painter C. Hjalmar Amundson. Born to the name Casper Hjalmar Emerson III, later changed to C. Hjalmar Amundson, he was only ever r...
Paper
$5,500 / set
M. E. FAGER - EGLOMISÉ REVERSE MIRROR Paintings
By W.E. Fager
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Pair of M.E. Fager Reverse Mirror Paintings – Signed, 1950s American Design A rare and captivating pair of reverse mirror paintings by renowne...
Mirror
19th-century Framed Painted Silhouette of Martha Washington
Located in San Francisco, CA
As the United States celebrates its 250th year, an antique silhouette portrait of Martha Washington represents a meaningful memento of this...
Paint, Paper
Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Gouache and Giltwood painting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderfully decorative Italian early 19th century Neo-Classical st. Gouache and Giltwood painting. This charming rectangular shaped Gouache is matted within its original mottled Gi...
Giltwood, Paint
Vintage Framed Architectural Print
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage framed architectural print beautifully captures the timeless elegance of classical ruins through finely executed linework and balanced composition. Inspired by the tradi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
19th Century German Meissen painted porcelain plaque
Located in London, GB
19th Century German Meissen painted porcelain plaque German, 19th Century Height 11cm, width 13.5cm, depth 1cm This charming painted porcelain plaque d...
Metal
$291Sale Price|50% Off
Original Watercolor Alfredo Beatrice - Historic View Caserta/Naples
Located in Manzano, IT
Splendid original watercolor by Master Alfredo Beatrice (Naples, 1934 - 2013), a well-known Vedutist painter from Campania famous for his "architectures of memory." The work depicts...
Canvas, Wood
Watercolour of Sacrificial Altar to the Genius Augusti at Pompeii
Located in York, GB
This fine watercolour study depicts the ancient sacrificial altar to the Genius of Augustus, or Vespasian, in the Temple of Augustus / Vespasian at Pompeii. Excavated in 1817, in sty...
Paint
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Early Still Life Trompe L'oeil Painting
Located in New Windsor, NY
Trompe l'oeil oil on board painting. Trick of the eye still life of a hand towel, a folding ruler, envelope and an almanac dated 1831. Most likely, the mundane everyday items used in...
Wood, Paint
Rectangular Still Life Framed Painting of a Stagecoach, Oklahoma
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small American Classical framed painting of a stagecoach. This piece is framed in a deep wooden frame, with gilt gold around the edges and brown and black on the inside and outside...
Gold
American Oil on Board Portrait of Horse, NY, James Weiland, Circa 1900
By James Weiland
Located in Charleston, SC
American oil on board portrait of horse landscape in the original gold gilt floral frame. Signed James Weiland, (1872-1968) New York, Early 20th cent...
Wood, Paint
William Alexander Drake Oil Board, Ship at Dock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Signed lower right. An impressive hulking ship with a green hull dominates the scene at a dock, perhaps for repair. The partial view of a steamship is in the right background. Sigh...
Wood
French 19th century Giltwood and Églomisé painting of Marseille
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A decorative French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Giltwood and Églomisé painting of Marseille. This stunning painting is set within a wonderful Églomisé Gilt and black border before...
Giltwood, Paint
Original Oil Painting of Girl by Harry Roseland, 1886
By Harry Roseland
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original Oil Painting of Girl by Harry Roseland. Painting is in excellent shape for its age. Harry Roseland was a New York painter who lived from 1866 to 1957. Known for his cand...
Paint
1900s, Gilt Framed Madonna of the Chair Painting Print on Wood
By (after) Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino)
Located in Germantown, MD
The Madonna Della Sedia commonly known as the Madonna of the chair is a painting by an Italian artist Raphael dating back to 1513 -1514. It is currently hou...
Hardwood, Giltwood
1850 Mexican Colonial Style Oil on Copper Religious Painting
Located in Marbella, ES
Antique 1850 Mexican colonial style oil on copper religious painting.
Copper
$475
H 35 in W 17.5 in D 4 in
Circa 1820 American Giltwood Mirror with Églomisé Panel Woodland Scene with Bird
Located in Savannah, GA
Circa 1820 giltwood architectural style looking glass with a reverse painted woodland scene eglomise tablet flanked with reeded columns, beading and appliques. Historian Rodric Black...
Glass, Giltwood
$1,600
H 55 in W 31.5 in D 2.75 in
Green Painted Continental Eglomise Mirror with Neoclassical Decoration
Located in Essex, MA
This is a refined neoclassical-style wall mirror with strong decorative symmetry and elegant painted and gilt detailing. Overall, the piece reflects a late 18th-century neoclassical influence, with a palette and stylization often associated with early 20th-century reinterpretations—particularly in the French or Swedish Gustavian taste. A green-painted continental eglomise wall mirror with black column supports and gilded hoof feet. It is decorated at the top with crossed gilt arrow...
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Watercolor of a Cartoon Dog
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add a sense of fun and a pop of color to any room with this wonderful vintage watercolor of a cartoon dog. This pup features a wonderful expression that is sure to be a conversation ...
Paint, Paper
Early 19th Century Oil Portrait of a Handsome Young Man
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 19th century oil portrait of a handsome young man An original painting of a young man wearing his best suit of clothes. Original oil on ...
Canvas
$1,262Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.75 in W 13.39 in D 1.19 in
Spanish Colonial South American Painting Virgin folk art 18th C
Located in London, GB
A Spanish colonial South American folk art style painting of the Virgin and child South American Peru or Bolivia school 18th century or earlier Oil on canvas, framed size 40 x ...
Paint
Signed Oil Painting of Horses on Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This oil painting is signed in the lower left hand illegible signature. Very well done in great condition and retains the original frame.
Italian 1940s Verre Eglomise Mirror
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautiful Italian reverse painted verre eglomise mirror with original silvering. Verre eglomise is a French term referring to the process of applying both a design and gilding onto ...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
$2,495
H 15 in W 12 in D 0.75 in
Russian Icon Painting Theotokos Vladimir Madonna Mother Mary Child Jesus Christ
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully engaging, darkly nuanced Theotokos of Vladimir Russian icon (or possibly Our Lady of Kazan Icon/Mother of God of Kazan) tempera painting (and possibly gold leaf) on a wooden panel featuring the Madonna (Mother Mary) and infant child (a baby Jesus Christ) in her arms. Theotokos is the term for an Eastern icon...
Wood, Paint
Hexagonal Reverse Painted Mirror
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Hexagonal reverse painted mirror.
Mirror, Glass
Vintage Original Painting of Male Nude on Board
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This arresting mid-century figurative work, signed by the artist Bagley, is a powerful exercise in color theory and masculine form. Painted in oil on board, the composition features ...
Wood, Masonite
Huge Vintage Neoclassical Painted Panel with a Leopard and Monkeys
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty vintage acrylic painting on wood of a fanciful composition with columns, ornaments, a leopard on a pedestal and monkeys executed in a tongue in cheek neoclassic trompe-l'oeil t...
Acrylic
19th Century Original Oil Painting by William Shayer
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Original Oil Painting by William Shayer. English Romantic Genre painting "the sea urchins"
Paint
9th Century Original Oil Painting by F. Romanelli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Original Oil Painting, Italian Landscape. Continental style, probably painted in Italy or possibly French American
Paint
Original 19th Century Oil Painting by Christian Schussele
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original 19th Century Oil Painting by Christian Schussele
Paint
Hand Painted Sign, America, circa 1930
Located in Culver City, CA
Hand Painted Sign America circa 1930 In wooden frame Measures 50.25”L x 1.75”d x 39”h.
Paint
Sold
H 21 in W 28 in D 3.5 in
French Early 20th Century Pointillist Style Oil on Canvas of Waterside Landscape
Located in Madison, MS
A lovely early 20th century French oil on canvas of a waterside landscape. This painting is pointillist style, which is a technique of using small dots in patterns to create a larger...
Canvas
Henry McCarter Landscape Oil on Canvas
Located in Astoria, NY
Henry Bainbridge McCarter (American, 1886-1942) landscape with mountains oil on canvas, signed to lower left, housed in a giltwood frame. Ima...
Canvas, Paint
Henry McCarter Landscape Oil on Canvas
Located in Astoria, NY
Henry Bainbridge McCarter (American, 1886-1942) landscape oil on canvas depicting two houses with mountains in the background, another landsc...
Canvas, Paint
Oil Painting of Two Horse Sweethearts, Signed H B Page
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil painting of two horse sweethearts - Signed H B Page. On the back of painting Artist named the painting Sweet hearts. Painted set. 1939 by Harold B Page.
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 17.75 in W 21.88 in D 1.75 in
Antique Mid 19th Century Seascape Oil Painting with Rocks and Ship
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unsigned Maritime oil painting. Very good quality, by the hand of a professional painter. The painting is soiled from 100 years of exposure. The frame has some losses (chips) to the ...
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Seascape Lighthouse Oil Painting
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unsigned Maritime oil painting. Very good quality, by the hand of a professional painter. The painting is soiled from 100 years of exposure. The frame has some losses (chips) to the ...
Wood
Sold
H 69 in W 87 in D 1 in
19th Century French Folding Screen with Original Hand-Painted Outdoor Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French painted folding screen room divider from the 19th century. This antique accordion style folding screen from France features four tall rectan...
Wood