The Greece-versus-Rome debate was not a sectarian academic quarrel; much of its vitality was supplied by architects and collectors. The dawning realization that the “Etruscan” vases were, in fact, Greek had an important influence on furniture design. Red and black, the colors that had been associated with the Etruscan style, became the province of Greek revivalists. Likewise, it was scenes of Greek life that were depicted on those vases. Hence the klismos chair, which was known to designers from vase paintings. It was revived first in Etruscan-style interiors, though by 1800, it was securely Greek. A staple of today’s furniture sales, the klismos shows how designers continued to look to archaeology, adapting the latest excavations for the drawing room.

That historical awareness lives on in the many pieces that come on the market at a range of prices. Neoclassical furniture is valued by collectors who are drawn to how the ancient world once shaped furniture design.

Amy Gale, a contributor to The Encyclopedia of Sculpture, 2004, teaches in the School of Architecture and Design at the New York Institute of Technology.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
“James Athenian Stuart, 1713–88: The Rediscovery of Antiquity,” at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London through June 24. 011.44.20.7942.2000 www.vam.ac.uk
Hyde Park Antiques New York. 212.477.0033. www.hydeparkantiques.com
Mallett Antiques New York. 212.249.8783. www.mallettantiques.com
Pelham Galleries London. 011.44.20.7629.0905. www.pelhamgalleries.com
Philip Colleck New York. 212.486.7600. www.philipcolleck.com