Andreoni Marble

Orazio Andreoni was an Italian 19th-century sculptor and professor based in Rome whose works in marble were of antique subjects as well as his compositions which were often historical or romantic works. These found their way to American and English collectors alike. He exhibited Le Pharisien in Turin in 1883 and Negrése in Berlin 1892. He also exhibited in Glasgow in 1888 and is believed to have been active for a time in America since a file on him is in the Smithsonian Institution Library. Andreoni's works can also be found in several museums and public parks. L'aveugle Nidia and Le Pharisien are currently at the Sydney Museum in Australia. A very large marble fountain group of multiple sculptures representing Oceanides, the Greek water nymphs, which were associated more with fresh water than with the oceans, is currently at The York House Garden, Twickenham, South-West London, now a municipal park. A marble group titled Pereat is at the Wadsworth Museum in Hartford, Connecticut.

Styling your home with vintage, new and antique sculptures means adding a touch that can meaningfully transform the space. By introducing a sculptural work as a decorative finish to any interior, you’re making a statement, whether you tend toward the dramatic or prefer to keep things casual with modest, understated art.

A single, one-of-a-kind three-dimensional figurative sculpture mounted on your dining room wall is a guaranteed conversation piece, while a trio of abstract works arranged on your living room bookshelves can add spontaneity to the collection of first-edition novels or artist monographs you’re displaying as well as draw attention to them. Figurative sculptures are representational works that portray a specific person, animal or object. And while decorating with busts, which are sculpted or cast figurative works, hasn’t exactly topped the list of design trends every year, busts are back. According to designer Timothy Corrigan, “They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give.” Abstract sculptures, on the other hand, are not meant to show something specific. Instead, they invoke a mood or scene without directly stating what they are portraying.

Busts made of stone or metal may not seem like a good fit for your existing decor. Fortunately, there are many ways for a seemingly incongruous piece to fit in with the rest of your room’s theme. You can embrace a dramatic piece by making it the focal point of the room, or you can choose to incorporate several elements made out of the same material to create harmony in your space. If an antique or more dramatic piece doesn’t feel like you, why not opt for works comprising plastic, fiberglass or other more modern materials?

When incorporating sculpture into the design of your home — be it the playful work of auction hero and multimedia visionary KAWS, contemporary fiber art from Connecticut dealer browngrotta arts or still-life sculpture on a budget — consider proper lighting, which can bring out the distinctive aspects of your piece that deserve attention. And make sure you know how the size and form of the sculpture will affect your space in whole. If you choose a sculpture with dramatic design elements, such as sharp angles or bright colors, for example, try to better integrate this new addition by echoing those elements in the rest of your room’s design.

Get started on decorating with sculpture now — find figurative sculptures, animal sculptures and more on 1stDibs today.