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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A Patinated Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in 263-0031, JP
Lucius Verus was Co-Emperor with Marcus Aurelius during the first nine years of Marcus’ reign. A handsome guy, his image became popular during and after his imperial days. This bust ...
Marble, Bronze
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble.
Carrara Marble
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina. Pristine Condition.
Marble, Bronze
Antique Carved Marble Bust in the Neoclassical Taste
Located in London, GB
A male portrait bust in the Roman manner by Lawrence MacDonald (1799-1878) Carved in Carrara marble, rising from a round socle supporting a waisted column, the bust having resemblances to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington as a young man. Signed by the artist, 'L. MacDonald, Romae, 1847'. Dated 1847 Dimensions: H: 26 in / 65 cm W: 19.5 in / 49 cm D: 10 in / 26 cm Lawrence MacDonald (1799-1878) Macdonald worked as an ornamental sculptor for the architect James Gillespie Graham before entering the Trustees' Academy, Edinburgh, in 1822. In Rome, in 1823 he was one of the founders of the British Academy of Art. He returned to Edinburgh in 1826 and became a member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1829. Four years later he settled in Rome, and from 1844 he worked in Bertel Thorvaldsen's former studio. He became the city's most fashionable portrait sculptor and, according to the Art Journal, his studio was filled with 'the peerage done into marble, a plaster galaxy of rank and fashion'. His sitters included the essayist Henry Taylor...
Marble
Charming Gilt Bronze Bust of a Woman
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming gilt bronze bust of a woman, spectacular gilt finish. Would look lovely in an office or library
Gold Leaf