Neoclassical Folk Art
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
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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Style: Neoclassical
Spinning Wheel, Walnut Wood, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Spinning wheel. Walnut wood carved and turned. XIX century.
Vertical spinning wheel made of carved walnut wood decorated with fine lines in certain areas and the use of balustrade...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Other
Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand
By L. W. Cushing & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A weathervane in the form of a running horse, that was likely modeled after "Dexter" circa late 19th century on a custom display stand. The full body molded horse has a gilt surface ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Bellamy Style Carved & Polychromed Hardwood Eagle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bellamy style carved & polychromed Hardwood Eagle, Nice patina and color, well carved example.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
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.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Nautical Display in Showcase France Beginning 20th Century
Located in Salzburg, AT
Nautical display in showcase France beginning 20th century.
The object is finely handcrafted from wood, plaster, fabric and paint. It shows an antique sailing ship...
Category
1910s French Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Glass, Plaster, Wood
Spinning Wheel, Walnut Wood, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Spinning wheel. Walnut wood carved and turned. XIX century.
Vertical carved walnut wood spinning wheel, which has been decorated with fine lines in certain areas, and the use of b...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Other
Antique Articulating Teddy Bear Driving Wagon Platform Pull Toy Americana
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique wheeled platform articulating pull toy featuring a teddy bear stuffed animal seated in a red white and blue wagon with arms that move up and down a...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Mohair, Hardwood
19th C Patriotic Flag Quilt & Red & Green Applique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine early mid century patriotic applique crown of thorns variation and flags flanked in two corners is in very good condition. Comes from a private collection in Pennsylvania. ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
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...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold
Traditional Ceramic Brown and White Horse Hanging Wall Planter or Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A traditional equestrian style ceramic wall vase in brown. This unique vase is meant to be hung on a wall or other flat surface. The vessel is in the shape of a horse head, and is pa...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Early 19th Century Wall Box from Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handmade wall box is made of walnut and is all hand-cut square nail and dovetailed construction. The drawer is dovetailed and retains the original handbl...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Horse Weathervane with Gilt Surface on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A trotting horse weathervane likely modeled after "Ethan Allen" with its original mount and displayed on a custom stand in a slightly upslop...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Copper
President Dwight D. Eisenhower Commemorative Ceramic Plate
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round ceramic commemorative plate of President Dwight Eisenhower. The plate is circular, with gold detail around the edges, and a portrait of Presi...
Category
20th Century North American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold
Monumental Antique Roman Bronze Works Gilt American Bald Eagle Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Museum quality antique solid bronze 70lb sculpture by Roman Bronze Works of an eagle seated on the base with wings outstretched. Roman Bronze Works, now o...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Old Masters Oil Painting Attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
18th century old masters oil painting attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet, France. View of a Mediterranean port at sunset. Great pi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Nautical Sailboat or Yacht Model in Blue and White with Painted Wood Body, 1930s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful model sailboat or yacht created from wood, brass, and canvas. The body is painted in a deep blue at the bottom with white edges. A brass propeller sits underneath. All on a...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Juan Archuleta Gates and Garden Painting
Located in Stamford, CT
Juan Archuleta gates and garden painting. Well done in a fine custom gilt frame from a fine New Jersey private. collection.
Juan S.E. Archuleta, Bor...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
1920s Portland Cement Garden Sculptures of Putti Representing the Four Seasons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very decorative group of garden sculptures representing the Classic Four Seasons, circa 1920s. Each putto is seated on a scrolled support with acanthus leaf details on wa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Concrete
German Vintage Hand Painted Kronester Bavaria Triangular Plate
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Original German vintage hand painted Kronester, Bavaria small triangular shape ceramic plate.
Hand painted with stylized floral design decorative ceramic plate.
Signed and numbered.
Kronester, Bavaria 969.
Could be used as a stylish vide poche or decorative hanging plate.
Category
20th Century German Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Italian Demi-Lune Painted Floral Consoles with Spade Feet, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian neoclassical style painted demilune consoles with a centered floral medallion surrounded by a faux marbleized top, floral painted border and swag skirt, and terminat...
Category
1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved and Polychromed Wood Crucifix "Cadore"
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 19th century Italian hand-carved and polychromed wood crucifix sculptural school "Cadore"
Measure cm: H 70, W 37, D 8
About:
The...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Classical Ballet Dancers Large Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Oil painting on canvas classical ballet dancers.
Russian style classical ballet oil painting.
3 couples of ballerinas and ballet male dancers wearin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
M. E. FAGER - EGLOMISÉ REVERSE MIRROR Paintings
By W.E. Fager
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A pair of M.E. FAGER reverse mirror paintings framed and each signed by artist. American design, 1950. Each rectangular mirror plate depicting ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Mirror
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carrara Marble Bust of Daphne, Apollo's First Love
Located in New York, NY
A fabulously hand carved antique neoclassical style Italian Carrara marble bust of Daphne. This bust is of immaculate quality and craftsmanship. Daphne's hair is beautifully hand car...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Carrara Marble
American Oil on Board Portrait of Horse, NY, James Weiland, Circa 1900
By James Weiland
Located in Hollywood, 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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Italian Griffon Majolica Terracotta Pedestals on Plinths. Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Griffon Majolica terracotta pedestals with flanking circular floral tops and resting on molded step back plinths. Mid 19th century.
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Swedish Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
19th century Scandinavian armchair in beech and linnen. This charming armchair was made in Sweden in the local neoclassical style. As common practice in this region the chair is pain...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Beech
Antique French Limestone Medicine Bowl
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Designed and produces, 18th century
Limestone
Measures: 8" height, 14.5" diameter
Provenance: Flea Market Paris.
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Limestone
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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Bronze Eagle Bookends Signed and Dated, 1931
By Eagle & Young
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing and heavy bronze bookends signed and dated Eagle & Young, 1931. These bookends are in very good condition.
Category
1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
21st Century Oklahoma Ranch Framed Burl Wood Print with White Matte
By Scout Studios
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Original photo of cattle feeding on the Stevens ranch, circa 2018 in Nowata County, Oklahoma. This piece is made to order and could take up to 2 weeks from order to doorstep. Other f...
Category
2010s North American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Burl, Paper
Large 19th Century Flo Blue Soup Bowls in Watteau Pattern or Doulton
By Watteau Doulton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of five flo blue soup bowls signed Watteau Doulton and in pristine condition. These English bowls are nice generous sizes.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Coverlet Signed & Dated David Weand Ls Alfordt Montgomery , Co, 1845
By David Gentleman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine Pennsylvania red and green handwoven coverlet with the original fringe is signed : " DAVID WEAND L.S.ALFORD , MONTGOMERY County 1845 " and retains the original fringe. Thes...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Early American Hooked Rug. Size: 9 Ft 6 in x 11 Ft 7 in
Located in New York, NY
Hooked Rug, American, Early 20th Century – Size: 9 ft 6 in x 11 ft 7 in (2.9 m x 3.53 m)
This sophisticated vintage American rug features a handsome allover pattern that incorporates a rich variety of monochromatic and variegated stripes arranged in staggered rows. The polychromatic field is further divided into a triad of distinct compartments that create a graphic stripe-within-a-stripe pattern. Each narrow segmented stripe is set against a variety of contrasting colors that create a harmonious low-key pattern comprised of varied hues. The motley assortment of bold colors creates a tonal blend that is superseded by the dark hues and enlivened by the vibrant accent colors. Reminiscent of piled books...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Floral Torchieres, Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt torchieres with circular egg & dart medallion tops, floral decorative rings, intertwining floral tassels and terminating on acanthus tripod hoof feet...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Scalloped Round Decorative Souvenir Plate in Emerald from Kingfisher Oklahoma
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Round circular scalloped souvenir plate or dish from Kingfisher Oklahoma. This beautiful plate features a lovely emerald green ombre around the edges an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Italian Faux Marbleized Gilt Acanthus and Berry Wall Mounted Console, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian Faux marbleized wall-mounted console with a gilded lambs tongue egg and dart border, gilded scrolled acanthus legs, exterior and interior floral medallions, and resting on sc...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Marble
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...
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Pair of Old Master Drawings
Located in New Haven, CT
A very fine pair of 18th century drawings depicting Gods and Goddesses, amongst them Minerva, Venus, Diana and Hera.
Category
1750s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Urn Vitrines. Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian painted and gilt vitrines with hinged glass tops, carved intertwined decorative floral vine motif, corner floral medallions, and terminating on bulbous fluted legs su...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold
One of a Kind Antique Carved Wood Group Statue Sculpture by Emile Boisseau
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique 19th century French wooden sculpture.
This large and figural group is titled 'La Defense Du Foyer' which translates as 'the protection of the spous.' This impressive sculpture is in good and original condition and this ripped hunter defenitely looks ready to fight off anyone or anything threatening his spous.
This sculpture is attributed to Emile Andre...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Pair of Italian Gilt Carved Wood Demilune Acanthus Wall Brackets, Circa 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian gilt carved wood demilune wall brackets with scrolled foliage acanthus motif. All original. Early 19th Century.
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Giltwood, Wood
Painted 19th Century Armchair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Troy, NY
Neoclassical green painted and gilt armchair with caned seat.
After a model by Jean-Joseph Chapuis.
The front legs retain their brass casters, the rear legs are missing the casters.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Cane, Wood
Italian Gilt Carved Wood Floral Window Bench. Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian gilt carved wood window bench with scrolled floral medallion arms, carved floral skirt , and terminating on scrolled fluted legs. Bench has b...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
1799 Light Green Floral Painted Cabinet
Located in Albignasego, IT
Antique Tyrolean seawater wardrobe
Origin: Tyrol (Alpine Central Europe Region)
Essence: Fir
Period: 1799
Measurements: H. 187 cm – W. 122 cm (134 cm at the frames) – D. 42 cm (49 ...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fir
Marriage William of Orange and Princess Mary
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: albionum genuit / rex me summusque / monarcha Carolus / et sponsam me iubet / esse tuam / princeps me Henricus / genuit fortissimus / heros nassoviæ, et / sponsum me iubet /...
Category
1640s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Silver
Frederik Hendrik and his proposals for peace
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: FRID. HENDRICVS. D. G. PRINC. AVRAI. COM. NASS. E, three quarter bust of Frederik Hendrik driekwart right, PABEELE F. in inside circle
Reverse: VLTIMVS ANTE OMNES DE PARTA P...
Category
17th Century Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Silver
1814 Light Blue Floral Painted Cabinet
Located in Albignasego, IT
Light blue Tyrolean wardrobe dated 1814
Measurements: H.178 cm – L.132 cm (140 at the frames) – D.48 cm (52 at the frames)
Tyrolean wardrobe, with two doors, entirely painted in li...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Fir
Historic Antique Civil War Walking Stick Cane of General Joe Hooker
Located in Dayton, OH
"Very rare antique 18th century wood walking stick, staff or cane once owned by General Joe Hooker. Engraved silver band reads Gen. Joe Hooker. Measure: 35".
A history of the cane is included which reads: “This cane was given to Chaplain Earnshaw by the family of General Joseph Hooker, who commanded the English Forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville (which he lost.) The shaft of the cane was made from the “poop” of the vessel of John Paul Jones. The handle was made from the horn of a buffalo that General Grant shot. General Hooker died with the cane in his hands as he walked down stairs. Two battles later which ended in Gettysburg, the Norths cause was settled. General grant was put in command.”
Province
Estate of J. Frederic Gagel, owner of multiple Thoroughbred race horses that competed in the Narragansett Special and Kentucky Derby. Their family heritage was strongly intertwined with the military having officers in battles dating back to the American Revolution.
John Paul Jones (born John Paul; July 6, 1747 – July 18, 1792) was a Scottish-American naval captain who was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends among U.S political elites (including John Hancock[1] and Benjamin Franklin[2]) as well as enemies (who accused him of piracy), and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation that persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the ""Father of the American Navy"" (a nickname he shares with John Barry and John Adams[3]).
Jones
Jones was born and raised in Scotland, became a sailor at the age of thirteen, and served as commander of several merchantmen. After having killed one of his mutinous crew members with a sword, he fled to the Colony of Virginia and around 1775 joined the newly founded Continental Navy in their fight against the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded U.S. Navy ships stationed in France, led one failed assault on Britain, and several attacks on British merchant ships. Left without a command in 1787, he joined the Imperial Russian Navy and obtained the rank of rear admiral.
Hooker
“Joseph Hooker (November 13, 1814 – October 31, 1879) was an American Civil War officer / general for the Union, chiefly remembered for his decisive defeat by Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Hooker had served in the Seminole Wars and the Mexican–American War, receiving three brevet promotions, before resigning from the Army. At the start of the Civil War, he joined the Union side as a brigadier general, distinguishing himself at Williamsburg, Antietam and Fredericksburg, after which he was given command of the Army of the Potomac...
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Rigged Half Model of the Schooner Yacht America
Located in Norwalk, CT
Crafted by Don Peterson, Larchmont, NY circa 1971, an outstanding model of the famed 19th century yacht racing yacht, America. On August 22, 1851, ...
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Early American Miniature Salesman Sample Dresser Chest of Drawers 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique miniature doll sized / salesman sample chest of drawers with brass knobs and a scalloped backsplash.
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Hand-Crafted Hardwood American Duck Decoy
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Hand-crafted Hardwood American Duck Decoy measuring 18" in width, 7.5" in depth and 12" in height.
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Henry McCarter Landscape Oil on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Henry Bainbridge McCarter (American, 1886-1942) landscape oil on canvas depicting two houses with mountains in the background, another landsc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Classic American Portrait, Oil on Canvas, William Lee Judson, 1882
By William Lees Judson 1
Located in Buffalo, NY
William Lees Judson was a pioneering California Impressionist artist of many talents. With his three sons, he founded the Judson Stained Glass Stud...
Category
1880s American Antique Neoclassical Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Neoclassical folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical folk art for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.