Portuguese Neoclassical
Antique 1790s Portuguese Neoclassical More Rings
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 15k Gold
Antique 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing T...
Brass
20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Revival Console Tables
Marble
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Portuguese Neoclassical Commodes and Ch...
Brass
20th Century European Neoclassical Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Obelisks
Pewter
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Decorative Baskets
Faience
Vintage 1980s Portuguese Neoclassical Candlesticks
Porcelain
Antique 18th Century European Neoclassical Center Tables
Other
Antique 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Scientific Instruments
Brass
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Mounted Objects
Wood
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Wood
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Mounted Objects
Wood
Antique 1820s Portuguese Neoclassical More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Nautical Objects
Brass
Antique 1820s Portuguese Neoclassical Center Tables
Birch
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Planters, Cachepots and Jardini...
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Western European Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Classical Roman Cabinets
Belgian Black Marble
Antique 19th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Candle Holders
Silver
18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Oil
Antique Late 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical More Jewelry
Topaz, Silver
Antique 1780s Portuguese Neoclassical Game Tables
Rosewood
Antique Late 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Console Tables
Marble
20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Wedding Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Late 18th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Models and Miniatures
20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Wedding Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
- 1
Portuguese Neoclassical For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Portuguese Neoclassical?
A Close Look at Neoclassical Furniture
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.
Read More
What Is Ormolu, and Why Are We Talking about It?
This golden material glamorized neoclassical furnishings and transformed upper-crust sitting rooms from France to Philadelphia in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
New York’s Hirschl & Adler Showcases the American Workmanship and Design Panache of Neoclassical Treasures
The gallery's latest exhibition proves that museum-quality pieces entice and inspire, whether in traditional or more modern interiors.
Susanna Salk’s Favorite Designers Show Us How to Play with Patterns
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.
6 Creative Ways to Decorate with Sculpture Busts
Just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional. Designers share their tips for placing busts in the perfect spot.