Don Quijote Sculpture
20th Century French Modern Abstract Sculptures
Bronze
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Abstract Sculptures
Copper, Steel, Iron
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Iron
Finding the Right Sculptures for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024What sculpture is worth the most will vary over time as pieces continue to come up for auction and break existing records. Some of the most expensive sculptures ever sold at auction include Alberto Giacometti pieces. His L'Homme au doigt fetched $141.3 million at auction, while his L'Homme qui marche I and The Chariot sold for $104.3 and $101.1 million, respectively. Explore a large selection of sculptures on 1stDibs.
- What is additive sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
In additive sculpture — as opposed to subtractive sculpture, such as statues carved from stone — materials like clay or wax are built up to create a form.
- What is a figurative sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A figurative, or representational, sculpture depicts a recognizable person or object.
- What is a metal sculpture?1 Answer
Glenn Green GalleriesFebruary 24, 2021A sculpture created from materials made of metal. This is a broad category. Metal sculptures can be made by fabrication, meaning assembled by hand or machine. Cast metal sculpture like bronze or steel is made from a complex casting process. - What is abstract sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Abstract sculptures do not depict real objects.
- What are sculptures in art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In art, sculptures are three-dimensional works of art made by hand or with various tools and machinery. Bronze, marble, plaster, wood and stone are among the most traditional materials for sculptures. However, artists may also incorporate found objects, paper, fabric and other items into their work. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of sculptures.
- What is geometric sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Geometric sculpture is a style of art that emphasizes mathematical shapes in an artistic way.
- What is contemporary sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022When referring to artwork, contemporary simply means “the art of today”, or artwork that was produced in the second half of the 20th century onward. This term extends to all art, including sculptures. You’ll find a variety of contemporary sculptures from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are illusion sculptures?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Illusion sculptures are pieces of art that the artist has crafted in a certain way so that it seems to come alive. Illusion art is also referred to as trompe l’oeil, which is a French term meaning “to fool the eye.” See the magic for yourself and shop a collection of illusion sculptures from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is an alabaster sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An alabaster sculpture is one that is made out of alabaster, which is a soft white or translucent stone. A variety of gypsum, alabaster is described as fine-grained and marble-like. On 1stDibs, find a collection of alabaster sculptures from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a sculpture series?2 AnswersLa ChrysomeleFebruary 23, 2021For bronze sculptures, a series is the limited number (eight plus four artist's proofs, in French legislation) of numbered specimens which qualify as original editions.Glenn Green GalleriesFebruary 24, 2021A sculpture series can mean a body of work created by an artist that is similar in design, style and media. A limited edition bronze sculpture or casting in another material (resin, concrete, plaster, etc.) are made from the same mold. The patina or color may differ but each work has been assigned a number in the series.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024A freestanding sculpture is one capable of standing on its own. It differs from reliefs and installed works, which are attached to a wall or other surface. Some famous examples of freestanding sculptures include Michelangelo's David, Rodin's The Thinker and Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. On 1stDibs, find a selection of freestanding sculptures.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In sculpture, perspective refers to how a piece fits into the space around it and what a viewer sees when they look at it from different angles. This differs from perspective in painting and drawing, which describes how to add depth to make two-dimensional objects seem three-dimensional. Find a wide variety of sculptures on 1stDibs.
- What is organic sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Organic sculptures have irregular forms derived from nature.
- Can tusk be used for sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, ivory tusks can be used for sculptures and figurines. However, the U.S. and many other countries have banned the import of ivory, meaning many artists no longer work with the material. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sculptures from some of the world's top galleries.
- Does KAWS make his sculptures?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, artist Brian Donnelly, known professionally as KAWS, does make his own art. He admits he has a regimented schedule now that he has children, and finds that this has made him more productive, allowing him to focus on sculptures and paintings in the mornings. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024How KAWS makes his sculptures varies. The New Jersey-born artist Brian “KAWS” Donnelly works with a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wood and bronze. By mixing up his techniques and experimenting with different mediums, KAWS can incorporate various colors and textures into his sculptures, figures and toys, and continues to innovate his practice.
In 1999, KAWS partnered with Bounty Hunter, a Japanese toy and streetwear brand, to release his first toy. Companion was the first of more than 130 toy designs, which came to include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as KAWS figures by their XX eyes. Fans have proved insatiable (and counterfeiters have since taken notice).
In 2017, MoMA’s online store announced the availability of a limited supply of KAWS Companion figures; as avid collectors logged on to stake their claim, the website crashed — multiple times.
Find authentic KAWS art on 1stDibs. - How much is a marble sculpture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The cost of a marble sculpture will vary depending on the size, artistic time, warehouse space, engineering and administration. Since marble is rarer it is more expensive than other types of rocks used for sculpture. On 1stDibs you will find figurative, abstract, still-life and nude marble sculptures starting from a range of $200 and upward.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Love sculpture represents the changes in American culture that occurred during the 1960s due to the anti-war protests, the sexual revolution and the civil rights movement. You'll find a variety of Robert Indiana art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A plaster cast sculpture is a three-dimensional work of art produced by pouring liquid plaster into a mold that the artist carves. In some cases, the resulting cast is the finished artwork. Other times, the artist uses the cast as a reference for carving stone or marble. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of sculpture art.
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