Bronze Retriever Statue
Late 20th Century Animal Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century North American Paperweights
Bronze
Late 20th Century British Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1920s Slovak Bohemian Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Early 20th Century German Rustic Animal Sculptures
Bronze
People Also Browsed
Late 20th Century American Classical Animal Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Finding the Right Animal-sculptures for You
Invite the untamed wonders of the animal kingdom into your home — and do so safely — with the antique, new and vintage animal sculptures available on 1stDibs.
Artists working in every medium from furniture design to jewelry to painting have found inspiration in wild animals over the years. For sculptors, three-dimensional animal renderings — both realistic and symbolic — crisscross history and continents. In as early as 210 B.C., intricately detailed terracotta horses guarded early Chinese tombs, while North America’s native Inuit tribes living in the ice-covered Arctic during the 1800’s wore small animal figurines carved from walrus ivory. Indeed, animal sculpture has a long history, and beginning in the 19th century, the art form started becoming not only fashionable but artistically validated — a trend that continues today. At home, animal sculptures — polished bronze rhinos crafted in the Art Deco style or ceramic dogs of the mid-century modern era — can introduce both playfulness and drama to your decor.
In the case of the frosted glass sculptures crafted by artisans at legendary French glassmaker Lalique, founded by jeweler and glass artist René Lalique, some animal sculptures are purely decorative. With their meticulously groomed horse manes and detailed contours of their parakeet feathers, these creatures want to be proudly displayed. Adding animal sculptures to your bookcases can draw attention to your covetable collection of vintage monographs, while side tables and wall shelving also make great habitats for these ornamental animal figurines.
Some sculptures, however, can find suitable nests in just about any corner of your space. Whimsical brass flamingos or the violent, realist bronze lions created by Parisian sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye are provocative and versatile pieces that can rest on windowsills or your desk. Otherwise, the brass cat shoehorns and bronze porcupine ashtrays designed by Viennese artist Walter Bosse are no longer roaming aimlessly throughout your living room, as they’ve found a purpose to serve.
Embark on your safari today and find a fascinating collection of vintage, modern and antique animal sculptures on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are so few surviving bronze sculptures because many of the works of art were melted down to create weapons. In addition, some others became lost over the centuries. You can find a variety of antique bronze statues on 1stDibs.
- Are bronze statues valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether bronze statues are valuable depends on the piece. Statues may be worth something due to their age, maker and theme or subject matter. The condition of statues, how rare works similar to it are and the current demand for pieces like it will also impact the value. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser who can evaluate the specific statue and give you an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you sold a particular statue. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of bronze statues.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Depending on the time frame and place they were created, bronze statues can symbolize many aspects of society and culture. For centuries, artists created stunning bronze sculptures to honor gods and leaders. You’ll find a broad selection of bronze sculptures from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell if a statue is real bronze, try striking it with the handle of a butter knife. Bronze will typically produce a sustained ringing sound. Other metals will usually produce a duller, more muffled or shorter-lived sound. Researching the artist can also be beneficial. By learning what types of materials they worked with, you may be able to determine whether your piece is likely to be bronze. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer inspect your statue for you. On 1stDibs, explore a range of bronze statues.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell the age of a bronze statue, search the back or bottom for the maker's markings or an artist’s signature. Some makers have stamped the year or date of production right onto the metal, making it easy for you to calculate the age of a statue. Research the maker using trusted online resources if your piece doesn't have a date stamp. By exploring maker catalogues, you may be able to determine when they produced statues similar to yours. For an artist’s signature, you can use a reverse image search or compare it to images of work by the artist published by trusted online resources. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to date your statue. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of bronze statues.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Yes, some bronze statues are worth something. Many well-known sculptors have worked with the metal. Among them are Constantin Brancusi, Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, Thomas Schütte and Kiki Smith. Bronze pieces by these and other famous artists may be worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Sculptures by lesser-known artists and those mass-produced for display in homes and gardens will typically be worth less. Valuations depend on the artist, age, style, type, condition and other factors. To learn how much a particular piece may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of bronze sculptures.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To verify if a bronze statue is real, first check the metal by gently scratching the patina. If it is a reddish-brown color, or a color in the yellow to onyx range, it is likely real. Anything too black or matted could indicate a fake. Find a collection of expertly vetted bronze statues from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell how old a bronze statue is, first check the base or back for markings. Some pieces may be stamped with the year of production. Others may display a brand or artisan's name. You can research the maker by consulting trusted online resources to learn when they produced statues like yours. Alternatively, you can seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Explore a wide range of bronze statues on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bronze statues can be displayed outside as long as they are properly cared for. To best maintain bronze statues, it is recommended that a paste wax is applied twice annually to ensure the statue can be enjoyed for many years. Shop a selection of bronze statues on 1stDibs.
Read More
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.