Neoclassical Architectural Elements
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
Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome
Located in London, GB
This remarkable ormolu bust of the iconic Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is the epitome of neoclassical style design, and was originally intended as an overdoor decoration. Overdoors - ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
$14,283 Sale Price
30% Off
19th Century Monumental Italian Giltwood Urn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th century monumental Neoclassical style Italian gilt wood urn, detailed with acanthus leaves, scrolled arms and beading.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Giltwood
$1,200 Sale Price
65% Off
Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Appliques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nicely carved. In great condition for their age. In the form of capitols.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Giltwood
$1,475 / set
Pair of 19th Century Slate Armorial Shields, Architectural Elements
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of carved slate architectural elements in the form of armorial shields. Each armorial carved in deep relief with a wide band prominent across the body. Each stylized coat of arm...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Slate
Architectural Model of a Cistern
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An interesting mid 19th century architectural model of a cistern sculpted in limestone, possibly Bath stone, carved into an elongated oval form. Beautifully weathered and of good scale, this carved limestone sculpture...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
French Pair of Massive Painted Columns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Simply incredible pair of very tall French architectural columns, in the Ionic order. These Neoclassical wonders are crafted of wood and plaster, thickly painted white, the column’s ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$6,500 / set
Pair of 20th Century French Alabaster Elements
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of 20th-century French alabaster elements features intricately designed vases, each with a classical shape and elegant detailing. The vases are crafted from alabaster, show...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Alabaster
$4,950 / set
Pair of Monumental 19th century Architectural Scrolled Copper Corbels
Located in Milford, NH
A monumental pair of copper corbels in scroll form with foliate swags with a great verdigris surface, probably New York origin, dating to the late 19th century. Includes custom L for...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Copper, Iron
French Painted and Gilt Tole Lattice Column with Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century French Neoclassical tole peinte decorative column with acanthus leaf capital. The unusual and very attractive lattice work column painted dark green with gilt bosses, topped by a Corinthian capital. The capital and base are brass...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Tôle, Brass
Antique Iron Column Pedestal or Plinth
Located in Sheffield, MA
An antique cast iron column pedestal base with acanthus leaf decoration and fluted column. Use it to support an indoor or outdoor sculpture t...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
$2,030 Sale Price
30% Off
French Wood Corbels Carved Griffin Dragon Gargoyles Figure Architectural Salvage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair (2) of wood Corbels (shelve supports). Carved griffin - dragon- gargoyles figures . Beautiful architectural salvaged decor.
Wood appears to be mahoga...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Monumental Urn-Shape Zinc Finial
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental urn-shape zinc finial: extremely decorative architectural element from 19th century French building.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Large Three Arm Neoclassical Cast Brass or Bronze Wall Sconce, circa 1920/1930s
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular cast brass, or bronze, three arm wall appliqué, probably from a bank, public building, or other commercial building. The sconce is in exception...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Late 18th-Early 19th Century Italian Painted and Parcel-Gilt Architectural
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning late 18th-early 19th century Italian painted and parcel carved giltwood architectural over door, architectural element or fragment. A ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$2,600 Sale Price
24% Off
Antique Neoclassical Carved Marble Mantel Keystone Architectural Element - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Neoclassical Carved Italian Carrara Marble Mantel Keystone Architectural Elements - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 10" H x 9" W x 3" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Federal Period Transom and Pilasters
Located in Sheffield, MA
Elegant Federal period reglazed fan light transom topping a pair of pilasters composed of capitals and paneled shafts. Bring it up to date by incorporat...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Glass, Pine
Pair of Large 19th Century Cast Iron Finials for Out Door Garden Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of large cast iron nineteenth century finials. Excellent as garden decoration.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Monumental 19th c Gilt Copper Spire Roof Finial
Located in Hanover, MA
Extraordinary architectural roof finial spire over 9 feet high constructed of hand beaten copper then finished in gold leaf.
Looking for a statement piece? You've found it!
Weighs under 75 pounds. Stands steady on its own. In two pieces: the top ~40 inches can be removed from the rest, for ease of transport.
Unrestored.
Finish is worn and distressed but the original natural patina is gorgeous.
It may be possible to go over the gilding with something that will bring out its luster. We have only dusted it.
The largest sphere has a couple of noticeable dents which I'm sure could be pulled out however we love it just the way it is.
Found in the basement of an un-renovated 1850's brick townhouse atop Beacon Hill.
We speculate the copper is from Paul Revere's own works.
Unsigned apparently but some of the American companies who made finials, weathervanes, etc. were:
J.W. Fiske
Cushing & Sons,
Westervelt,
Mullins
Thomas W. Jones
Kenneth Lynch...
Category
19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Copper
Antique Molded Cement Decorative Brick Panels, Pair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of antique molded cement architectural decoration are embellished in high relief with urns filled with fruit. One side is slanted on each and bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Cement
Pair of Bamboo Split Reed Ionic Columns
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Bamboo Split Reed Ionic Columns. Amazing architectural accent pieces. Perfect for a shop or to make a poolside cabana look cool. The ideas are endless. Hollow inside but stur...
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Reed, Bamboo
$3,600 / set
Pair of Large 19th Century Cast Iron Finials
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of large (and heavy) cast iron finials for garden or home decoration. 19th century manufacture but have a certain modernist style.
Category
1880s American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
$2,500 / set
LATE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL ORNAMENTAL FRIEZE
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant ornamental frieze in wrought iron and hand-forged, finely gilded and embellished with floral motifs that enhance its elegance. The base is made of white Carrara marble, carve...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble, Iron
Italian Neoclassical Marble Ribbon
Swag Architectural Cornice Finial, C. 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian Neoclassical carved marble architectural cornice finial with circular ball, ringed urn plinth, and resting on a bulbous base with flanking ribbon & swag motif. Finial was one...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Italian Neo-Classic Carved Balustrade Railings
Located in Queens, NY
4 Italian Neo-classic style (19/20th Century) carved and decorated balustrade railings (PRICED EACH).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Paint
$3,500 / item
18th Century Pennsylvania Carved Pine Over Mantle Panel
Located in Nantucket, MA
Large 18th Century Colonial Pennsylvania carved pine over-mantle panel, a hand-carved pine single board frieze with deep bas relief acanthus leaf scrolls against a scoop carved back...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Pine
Enormous Decorative Architectural Finial
Located in Houston, TX
Enormous decorative architectural finial in early white paint, circa 1840-1880 (Look at last picture for idea of scale).
Note: Regional differenc...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
Late 18th Century Statuary and Siena Fireplace of Neoclassical Design
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century statuary and Siena fireplace of late 18th century neoclassical design, the frieze with a statuary marble tablet decorated a classical...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
Turn of the Century Gentlemen
s Club Tall Locker
Located in North Miami, FL
This very heavy iron and bronze detailed tall locker with black Belgian marble base is all original. Interior details include a heavy turning handle door w...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Iron
$6,600 Sale Price
25% Off
Mural Glass Mosaic in Flower Design, Neoclassical Style
By Alexander Anisimov, Alexander
s Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Mural Glass Mosaic in Flower Design, Neoclassical Style
The legendary Alexander's Collection, a brand that initially made the name in the Asian markets, is now taking a breakthrough...
Category
2010s Chinese Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Gold Plate
$17,040 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of Antique Minton
Co Tile Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique glazed Minton tile panels. This pair have a desirable crazing creating a characterful time worn look. With all their elements combined, they make the perfect decora...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Clay
Iron Corbels Set, 19th-20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of three iron corbels used in some outstanding residence, decorated with scrolls, lines and other elements that could link the pieces with neoclassici...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Neoclassical Style Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
The breakfront, moulded shelf above the frieze which is centred with a tablet carved with tazza shaped, lidded urn in statuary on sienna marble. This is flanked by bands of flutes; t...
Category
Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
Late 18th Century Irish Neoclassical Statuary and Jasper Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century Irish neoclassical statuary marble chimneypiece veneered with book-matched Jasper of exceptional quality, the central tablet ...
Category
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble, Marble
Window or Door Fittings, Wrought Iron, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Element of iron formed by several pieces strongly united to each other that has simple decoration based on rings and other details and serves to close a door or window. This type of ...
Category
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Continental Gesso and Wood Pilaster Columns
Located in London, GB
Pair of Continental gesso and wood pilaster columns
Continental, 20th century
Height 245cm, width 55cm, depth 30cm
This elegant pair of pilasters...
Category
20th Century European Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Gesso, Wood
$2,380 Sale Price / set
30% Off
19th Century Neoclassical English Mantelpiece with Carved Eagle to Center
Located in London, GB
A Neoclassical English pine fireplace. The frieze with well carved eagle centrepiece, juxtaposed by stop flutes and panels. Vitruvian scrolls running beneath. The jambs with tapered ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Pine
Neo-Classical Antique Fireplace Mantel in Statuary, Siena and Jasper Marbles
Located in London, GB
A neoclassical chimneypiece of statuary, veneered Siena and inlaid Jasper & Rosso Antico marbles, circa 1800
The plain rectangular shelf above the Siena frieze which is centered w...
Category
Early 1800s British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
Antique Fireplace Mantel with a Wedgwood Central Table
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century, early 19th century neoclassical chimneypiece in white statuary marble, centred with a Wedgwood ' Bacchanal' tablet, with 3/4 round fluted Ionic columns fronting the jambs. The Wedgwood tablet depicts a central group of three drunken bacchic cherubs, flanked by single cherub figures and cherub groups taking cover...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Early 19th Century English Regency Egyptian Style Fireplace in Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and rare English Regency Neoclassical Egyptian style statuary marble fireplace carved to the highest quality, of the type popularised by Thomas Hope 17691831, in his highly influential Household Furniture and Interior Decoration (1807) with term jambs of Antinous Osiris...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble, Statuary Marble
Impressive Brass
Steel Neo-Classical Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive brass and steel firebasket in the Georgian style. The gunmetal legs with engraving throughout, featuring Athenian leaf and drapery, surmounted by engraved urn ...
Category
18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Pine Fireplace with Carved Urn
Located in London, GB
An English neoclassical pine fireplace. The centre blocking with carved urn and drapery, flanked by oval paterae and fluting. The tapering legs with tied ri...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Pine
A Neoclassical English Statuary and Siena Marble Mantel Piece
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English statuary and Sienna marble fireplace in the neoclassical style. The finely carved jambs with Athenian foliage and urns surmounted by carved end blockings. The ...
Category
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
English Hand-Painted Fireplace Mantel in the Neoclassical Style
Located in London, GB
A rare and highly decorative chimney piece in the manner of George Brookshaw
The frame carved part gilded and polychrome decorated, with the inverted breakfront top shelf having a...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Pair of Giltwood Brackets Neoclassical
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French pair of giltwood brackets neoclassical.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
$920 Sale Price / set
34% Off
19th Century Statuary and Antico Verde Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A 19th century statuary and Antico Verde marble fireplace in an earlier neoclassical style. With a tiered and moulded shelf above the double Gre...
Category
19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Superb George III Neoclassical Fireplace Mantel of the Roman Doric Order
Located in London, GB
In white statuary and Spanish Brocatelle marbles; The design attributed to Sir William Chambers (1723-1796), architect to the King, circa 1765-1770.
The tiered shelf with egg and dart, (symbolic of good and evil) moulding, above the frieze, which is centered with a rectangular tablet, superbly sculpted with a Bucranium mask of an ox skull. This has horns and a jeweled decoration adorns the skull above the eyes, the horns are draped with bunched, knotted ribbons, which hold swags of tied bell flowers, the other end of which are secured and fall from circular, flower decorated paterae. This is flanked by Brocatelle panels and recessed, statuary end blockings. The jambs with pilaster Brocatelle uprights, flanked by statuary out grounds with scrolling volutes decorated with sprigs of foliage. The opening with moulded edge, the whole raised on foot blocks.
The Doric Order...
Category
Mid-18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantle in Statuary and Siena Marbles
Located in London, GB
A statuary and Siena marble chimney piece late 18th century; circa 1795.
With moulded shelf with rounded corners above the frieze which is centred with a tablet of a reclining godde...
Category
1790s British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
Unusual Late 18th Century Dutch Polychrome Tile Picture of a Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A rare Dutch polychrome tile picture, painted in blue, green, yellow and manganese, depicting a mantel clock with two cupids. The tiles with authentic hand-painted black numbers F1-F...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Faience
$3,328 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century Style Fireplace in Statuary and Siena Marbles
Located in London, GB
A good late 18th century style neoclassical fireplace in Statuary and Siena marbles with a centre tablet depicting the antique fairy tale of Cupid and Ps...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Siena Marble, Statuary Marble
Neoclassical architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces 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. Prices for architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $121,422 while the average work can sell for $3,902.
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