Neoclassical Doors and Gates
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.
20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wood
18th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Hardwood
Early 1800s Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wood
18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wrought Iron
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Bronze
Mid-19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Hardwood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Metal
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass, Iron
18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wrought Iron
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Iron, Gold Leaf
20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Bronze
20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Bronze
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wood
20th Century Asian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
2010s Italian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Lead
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
2010s American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Stainless Steel
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wrought Iron
1930s English Vintage Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Bronze
1930s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Oak
1880s French Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Metal, Iron
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Oak, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Wood
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Mirror, Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Pine
Early 20th Century Egyptian Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Pine
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Pine
1930s French Vintage Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Brass