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Library Bust

19th Century French Plaster Library Bust
19th Century French Plaster Library Bust

19th Century French Plaster Library Bust

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Large scale 19th Century French plaster library bust.  Painted to look like terracotta, signed and dating to 1875.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Busts

Materials

Plaster

Classical Plaster Library Bust on Bracket
Classical Plaster Library Bust on Bracket

Classical Plaster Library Bust on Bracket

Located in Kent, Dover

An English classical plaster library bust of a gentleman in Roman clothing, with a wall bracket depicting a Roman eagle.

Category

Antique 1870s English High Victorian Busts

Materials

Plaster

Plaster Library Bust Of The Emperor Augustus
Plaster Library Bust Of The Emperor Augustus

Plaster Library Bust Of The Emperor Augustus

Located in Kent, Dover

An English painted plaster library bust of the Emperor Augustus. With a good patina resembling polished marble.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Busts

Materials

Plaster

J. Ternouth (1796-1848) Lifesize Neoclassical Style Library Bust
J. Ternouth (1796-1848) Lifesize Neoclassical Style Library Bust

J. Ternouth (1796-1848) Lifesize Neoclassical Style Library Bust

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A lifesize neoclassical style plaster library bust by English sculptor, John Ternouth, signed with maker’s name to the reverse and inscribed with the date ‘1832’.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Plaster, Paint

Large 19th c. Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of President George Washington
Large 19th c. Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of President George Washington

Large 19th c. Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of President George Washington

By Wedgwood

Located in Litchfield, CT

Very large antique 19th century Wedgwood black basalt library bust of President George Washington after Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828).

Category

Antique 19th Century English American Classical Busts

Materials

Pottery

19th c. Grand Tour Classical Bronzed Library Bust of Asclepius God of Medicine
19th c. Grand Tour Classical Bronzed Library Bust of Asclepius God of Medicine

19th c. Grand Tour Classical Bronzed Library Bust of Asclepius God of Medicine

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique 19th century Grand Tour classical bronzed patinated metal library bust of Asclepius, Greco-Roman God of medicine and patron of doctors.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Metal

19th c. French Bronze Library Bust of President George Washington Marble Column
19th c. French Bronze Library Bust of President George Washington Marble Column

19th c. French Bronze Library Bust of President George Washington Marble Column

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique 19th century French bronze bust of George Washington on marble column. Exceptional detail with pleasing patina. Measures 12 1/4" tall x 6" wide x 4 1/2" deep. Good condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

After Sir Francis Chantrey, Library Bust of Sir Walter Scott, circa 1840
After Sir Francis Chantrey, Library Bust of Sir Walter Scott, circa 1840

After Sir Francis Chantrey, Library Bust of Sir Walter Scott, circa 1840

Located in Savannah, GA

19th-century painted plaster bust after the marble original by Sir Francis Chantrey (1781–1841), depicting Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) in three-quarter right profile with tousled ha...

Category

Antique 1840s English Busts

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Parian Porcelain Library Portrait Bust of President Abraham Lincoln
19th Century Parian Porcelain Library Portrait Bust of President Abraham Lincoln

19th Century Parian Porcelain Library Portrait Bust of President Abraham Lincoln

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique 19th century parian porcelain portrait bust of President Abraham Lincoln by Martin Milmore, circa 1865. Martin Milmore (1844–1883) was an Irish-American sculptor known for h...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Busts

Materials

Porcelain

Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust of Louis XIV, Italy, 19th Century
Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust of Louis XIV, Italy, 19th Century

Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust of Louis XIV, Italy, 19th Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Executed in pale marble with a warm, natural patina, this piece carries both historical significance and decorative presence. Ideal for a library, study, or gallery, this bust evokes...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

A Marble Bust on Pedestal of Richard Cobden by Neville Northey Burnard 1865
A Marble Bust on Pedestal of Richard Cobden by Neville Northey Burnard 1865

A Marble Bust on Pedestal of Richard Cobden by Neville Northey Burnard 1865

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

Many of Burnard’s public commissions were for Devon and Cornwall and works by him may still be seen in such places as the Plymouth Library (a bust of Thackeray), Truro Town Hall and ...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Busts

Materials

Marble

Recent Sales

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century
Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Unavailable

H 65 in W 23 in D 12 in

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Located in London, GB

Mark Antony, a bust, in toga drapery, 20th century. A fantastic large library bust of Marcus Antonius, who was a Roman politician and general.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture and Column, 20th Century
Mark Antony Bust Sculpture and Column, 20th Century

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture and Column, 20th Century

Unavailable

H 65 in W 23 in D 12 in

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture and Column, 20th Century

Located in London, GB

Mark Antony, a bust, in toga drapery, 20th century. A fantastic large library bust of Marcus Antonius, who was a Roman politician and general.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Late 18th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Lucius
Late 18th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Lucius

Late 18th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Lucius

Unavailable

H 10.63 in W 3.94 in D 6.3 in

Late 18th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Lucius

Located in London, GB

A very well modelled and finely cast bronze library bust of the Roman Emperor Lucius Verus. The bust length model of the emperor raised on the original faceted pedestal baser with mo...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Bronze

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century
Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century

Located in London, GB

A fine large library bust of Julius Caesar, probably the most famous of all Roman emperors.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Statuary Marble

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century
Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century

Located in London, GB

A fine large library bust of Julius Caesar, probably the most famous of all Roman emperors.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Statuary Marble

Large 19th Century Plaster Library Bust of Plato
Large 19th Century Plaster Library Bust of Plato

Large 19th Century Plaster Library Bust of Plato

Sold

H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 14.97 in

Large 19th Century Plaster Library Bust of Plato

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A very large scale, 19th century Italian plaster library bust of Plato, Stamped 'G Balatri Faceva 1873'.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Busts

Materials

Plaster

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900
Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

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H 31 in W 27 in D 15 in

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Located in Culver City, CA

Library bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900 Large Victorian plaster bust, in original condition.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900
Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Sold

H 31 in W 27 in D 15 in

Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Located in Culver City, CA

Library bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900 Large Victorian plaster bust, in original condition.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts
Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts

Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts

Located in London, GB

A pair of very late Grand Tour Mid-19th Century Library Busts in carved Alabaster with marble plinths and socles.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Classical Bronze Bust on Marble Plinth
Classical Bronze Bust on Marble Plinth

Classical Bronze Bust on Marble Plinth

Sold

H 15.75 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in

Classical Bronze Bust on Marble Plinth

Located in London, GB

A bronze Library bust of a classical Gentleman in robes and wig.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Busts

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Figural Gold Painted Female Plaster Sculpture Statue Bust Head 16"
Vintage Figural Gold Painted Female Plaster Sculpture Statue Bust Head 16"

Vintage Figural Gold Painted Female Plaster Sculpture Statue Bust Head 16"

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage plaster library bust statue or sculpture depicting a female face with beaded hair, painting gold.

Category

20th Century Busts

Materials

Plaster, Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint

Large Septimius Severus Bust Sculpture, 20th Century
Large Septimius Severus Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Large Septimius Severus Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Located in GB

This large library bust is after the marble original in the museum de Capitolini, Rome.

Category

20th Century European Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century
Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Sold

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 11.82 in

Mark Antony Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Located in GB

Mark Antony, a bust, in toga drapery, 20th century. A fantastic large library bust of Marcus Antonius, who was a Roman politician and general.

Category

20th Century European Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Pair Bronzed Ormolu Busts William Ewart Gladstone Benjamin Disraeli 19Ct
Antique Pair Bronzed Ormolu Busts William Ewart Gladstone Benjamin Disraeli 19Ct

Antique Pair Bronzed Ormolu Busts William Ewart Gladstone Benjamin Disraeli 19Ct

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning Pair of English Patinated Bronzed Metal Library Busts made in Birmingham by Wright and Fletcher Foundry, dated 1878 offered with associated heavy gauge ornately cast Ormolu ...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Busts

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century
Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’, 20th Century

Located in GB

A fine large library bust of Julius Caesar, probably the most famous of all Roman emperors.

Category

20th Century European Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

19th C Country House Library Plaster Bust of Composer Pianist Felix Mendelssohn
19th C Country House Library Plaster Bust of Composer Pianist Felix Mendelssohn

19th C Country House Library Plaster Bust of Composer Pianist Felix Mendelssohn

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A good 19th century library plaster bust of the German composer, pianist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn, on a typical socle base.

Category

Antique 19th Century European Busts

Materials

Plaster

Empire Style Mahogany Bronze Female Busts Library or Bibliotheque, circa 1860
Empire Style Mahogany Bronze Female Busts Library or Bibliotheque, circa 1860

Empire Style Mahogany Bronze Female Busts Library or Bibliotheque, circa 1860

By Maison Krieger

Located in Berlin, DE

An Empire style gilt bronze mounted mahogany library or bibliotheque from circa 1860. The breakfront bookcase with three doors housing trellis brass workings displays fine quality gi...

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Bookcases

Materials

Bronze

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid
Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

Sold

H 24 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in

Wedgwood Black Basalt Figure of Cupid

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

While it initially proved challenging to fire because of its weight, that same characteristic was advantageous in creating ornaments, lending stability to library busts, vases and fi...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Large Library Bust of Hercules
Large Library Bust of Hercules

Large Library Bust of Hercules

Sold

H 37.8 in W 24.81 in D 22.05 in

Large Library Bust of Hercules

Located in Kent, Dover

A large English library bust of Hercules. Crisply cast in painted plaster and horsehair.

Category

Vintage 1930s English Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Plaster

20th Century Large Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar Grand Tour
20th Century Large Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar Grand Tour

20th Century Large Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar Grand Tour

Located in Lowestoft, GB

After the antique, an imposing and highly decorative plaster bust of Julius Caesar on socle base. 20th century, with age related discolouration and wear 80cm in height 62cm...

Category

20th Century European Busts

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Classical Library Bust of Female Grand Tour Country House
19th Century Classical Library Bust of Female Grand Tour Country House

19th Century Classical Library Bust of Female Grand Tour Country House

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A finely cast 19th century plaster classical library bust, on socle base on a later period plaster column.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Large Pair Bronze Grand Tour Library Busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, 19th Century
Large Pair Bronze Grand Tour Library Busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, 19th Century

Large Pair Bronze Grand Tour Library Busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, 19th Century

Located in London, GB

Of generous scale and imposing, these beautifully carved patinated bronze antique busts of Bacchus and Ariadne are mounted on black marble socles banded by scenes of antiquity in bro...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Copeland Parian Bust of John Milton, Made for the 1861 Crystal Palace Exhibition
Copeland Parian Bust of John Milton, Made for the 1861 Crystal Palace Exhibition

Copeland Parian Bust of John Milton, Made for the 1861 Crystal Palace Exhibition

By Copeland

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Copeland Parian Bust of John Milton, Made for the 1861 Crystal Palace Exhibition A rare Parian Library Bust of John Milton by Copeland, Made for the 1861 Crystal Palace Exhibition.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Ceramic

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture , 20th Century
Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture , 20th Century

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture , 20th Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine large library bust of Julius Caesar, probably the most famous of all Roman emperors.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Roman Empress Marble Bust Sculpture, 20th Century
Roman Empress Marble Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Roman Empress Marble Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Sold

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 11.82 in

Roman Empress Marble Bust Sculpture, 20th Century

Located in GB

Roman empress Marble Bust sculpture, 20th Century A large Library bust of a Roman Empress, in her fine toga drapery, pinned to one side by a jeweled broach, and crowned with a tiara.

Category

20th Century European Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Library bust of Homer, Wedgwood, circa 1775
Library bust of Homer, Wedgwood, circa 1775

Library bust of Homer, Wedgwood, circa 1775

Sold

H 14.18 in W 7.88 in D 5.52 in

Library bust of Homer, Wedgwood, circa 1775

By Wedgwood

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

A fine library bust from the Wedgwood & Bentley period, exhibiting the fineness and quality that make this early Wedgwood so very desirable.

Category

Antique 1770s English Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Stoneware

Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Priest, Milford House
Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Priest, Milford House

Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Priest, Milford House

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The large late Victorian plaster library bust depicting an unidentified priest, of middle to late age, possibly modelled on an Elizabethan, wearing a ceremonial robe with the pectora...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Irish Late Victorian Busts

Materials

Plaster

Large Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900
Large Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Large Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of a Cardinal, circa 1900

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The very large late Victorian plaster library bust depicting an unidentified cardinal, of middle to late age, with thinning hair and prominent features, wearing ceremonial robes and ...

Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Busts

Materials

Plaster

Decorative Late Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of John Milton
Decorative Late Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of John Milton

Decorative Late Victorian Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of John Milton

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The late Victorian painted plaster library bust of John Milton (1608-74) wearing ceremonial robes and with a central cartouche reading ‘Milton’ on a weighted waisted socle base, surv...

Category

Antique 1890s English George III Busts

Materials

Composition

19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Francis of Assisi
19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Francis of Assisi

19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Francis of Assisi

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The large late Victorian plaster library bust depicting St. Francis of Assisi, wearing ceremonial robes and large pendant on a linked chain, the whole on a stepped socle square base,...

Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Busts

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Patrick, Milford House
19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Patrick, Milford House

19th Century Painted Plaster Portrait Library Bust of St. Patrick, Milford House

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The large late Victorian plaster library bust depicting St. Patrick with a flowing beard, wearing ceremonial robes with celtic motifs, and a bejewelled mitre hat, the whole on a step...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Irish Late Victorian Busts

Materials

Plaster

19thC Black Painted Plaster Library Bust of Demosthenes; Wormington Grange
19thC Black Painted Plaster Library Bust of Demosthenes; Wormington Grange

19thC Black Painted Plaster Library Bust of Demosthenes; Wormington Grange

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The very decorative plaster portrait bust of Demosthenes (384–322 BCE), in his prime years, modelled after the Greek original held at the Museo Nazionale in Naples, sometimes describ...

Category

Antique 1870s English Classical Greek Busts

Materials

Plaster

Late 19thc Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar C.1870-90, Aynhoe Park
Late 19thc Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar C.1870-90, Aynhoe Park

Late 19thc Plaster Library Bust of Julius Caesar C.1870-90, Aynhoe Park

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

The very decorative plaster portrait bust of the emperor Julius Caesar, in his prime years, shown without state dress, facing slightly to sinister on a socle base, and surviving from...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Plaster

Basalt Bust of Plato, Wedgwood, circa 1800
Basalt Bust of Plato, Wedgwood, circa 1800

Basalt Bust of Plato, Wedgwood, circa 1800

Sold

H 11.75 in W 8 in D 4 in

Basalt Bust of Plato, Wedgwood, circa 1800

By Wedgwood

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

A fine, early bust of the eminent Greek philosopher. Wedgwood produced a large number of library busts in black basalt, which has an appearance similar to that of ancient bronze.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Bust of Minverva in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1880.
Bust of Minverva in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1880.

Bust of Minverva in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1880.

Sold

H 18.51 in W 10.63 in D 7.88 in

Bust of Minverva in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1880.

By Wedgwood

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Wedgwood produced a very successful line of Library Busts, of which Minerva and Mercury were the longest in production, running right up into the 20th century - they make a good pair...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century
Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century

Julius Caesar Bust Sculpture ‘in Toga’ with Column, 20th Century

Located in London, GB

A fine large library bust of Julius Caesar, probably the most famous of all Roman emperors.

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Busts

Materials

Statuary Marble

Bust of Mercury in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1820.
Bust of Mercury in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1820.

Bust of Mercury in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1820.

Sold

H 18.12 in W 11.03 in D 10.24 in

Bust of Mercury in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1820.

By Wedgwood

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

Wedgwood produced a very successful line of Library Busts, of which Minerva and Mercury were the longest in production, running right up into the 20th century - they make a good pair...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

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Library Bust For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic library bust available at 1stDibs. A library bust — often made from plaster, stone and bronze — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a library bust — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each library bust bearing Victorian, Georgian or Neoclassical hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Library Bust?

Prices for a library bust can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1,117 and can go as high as $7,786, while the average can fetch as much as $1,960.

Finding the Right Busts for You

The presence of vintage and antique bust sculptures can add a necessary decorative layer to any interior. And just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional.

A touch of whimsy, a dose of drama — a single bust can alter a room. And when placed in just the right spot, these statues can almost feel alive.

“They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give,” says Los Angeles designer Timothy Corrigan, who loves pieces that beg to be touched. For a welcoming entry hall project in California, Corrigan selected an antique Persian rug and a bust that invites you to touch it. A collection of sculptures in wood, marble and brass complement the star of the show.

For Consort cofounder and creative director Mat Sanders, a bust doesn’t have to be pretty. “I most enjoy busts that are a little busted,” Sanders jokes — but choose something with a soul you can live with, as “sculpture representative of the human form carries with it an energy you will add to the space.”

The antique and vintage bust sculptures for sale on 1stDibs include Art Deco busts, mid-century modern busts and more.