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Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
19th Century Quarry Statue of Archangel with Harp Found in Western México
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This amazing 19th century pink quarry statue of Archangel was found in Western México, it has minor losses and wear consistent with age.
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Limestone

Fine 19th Century White Marble Sculpture of “Rebecca at the Well”
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine 19th century white marble sculpture of “Rebecca at The Well” depicting a Classical maiden wearing a robe, with one breast semi-exposed, stan...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Marble

17th Century Italian Carving of Scholar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Boston Terrier Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Boston Terrier doorstop in all original paint.
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

20th C Original Painted Hubley Boston Terrier Doorstop
By Hubbly
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th C original painted Hubley Boston Terrier doorstop.
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Americana Gilt and Forest Green Painted Plaster Spread Wing Eagle
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., Americana, a large scale gilt and forest green painted cast plaster eagle, depicted spread-wing, with crisply detailed overlapping feathers. With mounting bracket on reverse. This is a very handsome example of an iconic form. The combination of the gilt and forest green paint is striking. Depictions of eagles can be seen across American art. The national bird of the United States, the eagle has been used as a symbol of American freedom for centuries. This is a fine example in the style of John Haley Bellamy...
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Plaster, Paint

Bellamy Style Carved & Polychromed Hardwood Eagle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bellamy style carved & polychromed Hardwood Eagle, Nice patina and color, well carved example.   
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved and Polychromed Wood Crucifix "Cadore"
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 19th century Italian hand-carved and polychromed wood crucifix sculptural school "Cadore" Measure cm: H 70, W 37, D 8 About: The...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Monumental Antique Roman Bronze Works Gilt American Bald Eagle Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Museum quality antique solid bronze 70lb sculpture by Roman Bronze Works of an eagle seated on the base with wings outstretched. Roman Bronze Works, now o...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Antique Italian Neoclassical Carrara Marble Bust of Daphne, Apollo's First Love
Located in New York, NY
A fabulously hand carved antique neoclassical style Italian Carrara marble bust of Daphne. This bust is of immaculate quality and craftsmanship. Daphne's hair is beautifully hand car...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of Italian Griffon Majolica Terracotta Pedestals on Plinths. Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Griffon Majolica terracotta pedestals with flanking circular floral tops and resting on molded step back plinths. Mid 19th century.
Category

1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Terracotta

One of a Kind Antique Carved Wood Group Statue Sculpture by Emile Boisseau
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique 19th century French wooden sculpture. This large and figural group is titled 'La Defense Du Foyer' which translates as 'the protection of the spous.' This impressive sculpture is in good and original condition and this ripped hunter defenitely looks ready to fight off anyone or anything threatening his spous. This sculpture is attributed to Emile Andre...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of Italian Gilt Carved Wood Demilune Acanthus Wall Brackets, Circa 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian gilt carved wood demilune wall brackets with scrolled foliage acanthus motif. All original. Early 19th Century.
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

An Old Weathered Nude Boy Garden Statue This is a lovely old statue of a boy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
An Old Weathered Nude Boy Garden Statue This is a lovely old statue of a boy he is holding a basket of Fruit and has a cute facial expression This is a good quality stone garden ...
Category

1920s Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cast Stone

Related Items
Antique Cast Iron Boston Terrier Doorstop by Hubley, circa 1910-1940 (FREE SHIP)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This is an original cast iron Boston Terrier doorstop manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company in Lancaster Pennsylvania USA. The piece has retained its original hand ...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Deer Head with Glass Eyes, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Spanish Colonial Mexico Carved Painted Archangel Santo Religious Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large vintage Spanish Colonial style Mexican religious folk art carved wood santo figure - bulto carving. Mid-20th century, Mexico, primitive hand-crafted construction, one-of-a-kind, likely depicting San Miguel Arcángel (Saint Michael the Archangel), hand carved gessoed polychromed solid wood figural sculpture, standing on integral plinth base, affixed with metal wings, right hand raised holding a sword. Provenance / Acquisition: From the estate of Margaret "Candy" Becker (Austin, Texas 1942-2022). She was an artist in all areas of her life who created art in many different media, including needlework, quilting, watercolor, acrylics, mosaic, and clay. Candy was a consummate traveler who spent time in Mexico, Guatemala, Japan, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Spain, England, and Ireland. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Important Western & Religious Art catalog Dimensions: (approx) 16" High, 10" Wide, 6.5" Deep Condition: Great original antique / vintage condition with nicely aged patina. Includes the original sword, which is very rare. Wear consistent with age and use, including scattered chippy paint losses and worn paint, nothing that detracts from the display but only adds to the overall authenticity, character and old world rustic charm Interesting, colorful, with a unique sculptural form and rich history, this large wooden statue would make for a wonderful decorative object - curiosity in your authentic Mexican hacienda, Santa Fe New Mexico adobe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce fine quality neoclassical Empire style vasiform gilt bronze ormolu church religious relic altar monstrance reliquary. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe in the second half of the 19th century, most likely French Napoleon III Period (1852-1870), having a fanned cross crest, above winged angel mask, central oval display...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Swiss 19th Century Bear Carvings from the Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A pair of miniature black forest bear carvings Constructed using linden wood, the animals naturalistically carved, and with colored highl...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Folk Art Carved Wood Chamois Head with Real Horns, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art chamois head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, ca 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, from ca. 1920 A beautiful antique wall decoration - entirely from linden wood carved dee...
Category

1920s German Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century Boston Terrier Black Painted Door Stop, Hubley
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Boston Terrier door stop, cast iron with original black paint. Beautiful patina.  
Category

1890s North American Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Scandinavian Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candleholder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candlestick, Scandinavian Amazing carved wood and polychrome candleholder.
Category

Late 17th Century Scandinavian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of 17th Century Carved Antique Swedish Gustavian Gilt Tassels
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of Gustavian 17th century carved antique Swedish Gustavian gilt tassels. The tassels are hand carved and thus different, but similar. Origi...
Category

17th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head
Located in Austin, TX
Fine metal painted head horse on horseshoe, circa 1890.  
Category

1890s French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head
19th Century Painted Metal Horse Head
H 5.3 in W 3.5 in D 7.5 in
Previously Available Items
c1910 French Original Bronze Sculpture "Deux Hommes Amoreux" Signed Jean Patoue
By Jean Patou
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Rare Original Bronze Sculpture c1910 "Deux Hommes Amoreux". Signed and originally crafted by Jean Patoue 1887-1936. This is an original cast with the foundry stamp affixed. NOT ...
Category

1910s French Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

An Old Weathered Nude Boy Garden Statue This is a lovely old statue of a boy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
An Old Weathered Nude Boy Garden Statue This is a lovely old statue of a boy he is holding a basket of Fruit and has a cute facial expression This is a good quality stone garden ...
Category

1920s Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cast Stone

Statue of Venus Bathing, England circa 1950
By Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain
Located in Culver City, CA
Bathing venus Statue, England, circa 1950 "Composite stone statue modeled after the work of Christophe- Gabriel Allegrain for Louis XV." Measures: 2...
Category

1950s English Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Rare 1982 Curtis Jere Americana Carved Folk Art Uncle Sam Sculpture
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage hand carved and painted folk art style sculpture of Uncle Sam in his traditional red, white, and blue top hat and tails with paper bunting bow-tie, one arm raised in a salut...
Category

1980s Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

9 Vtg Thanksgiving Turkey Candy Containers Composition Paper Mache Deco Japan
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of nine small antique/vintage Thanksgiving turkey shaped candy containers, seven composition and two ceramic; made in Japan. Measures: Larg...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic, Paint, Paper

Vintage Americana Folk Art Jointed Wood Puppet Toy Clog Jig Dancer Minstrel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Americana, folk art style hand carved wooden jig or limberjack toy doll, dancing Minstrel puppet, with spring mounted bobble head and red, wh...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Cast Iron Doorstop of a Horse with Full Gear, circa 1940
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Detailed cast iron horse with saddle and gear. Unsigned. Very good vintage condition.
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Horse "Hunter" Door Stop, circa 1949
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful depiction of the horse, Hunter, a black stallion. Signed VA.Metalcrafters, 1949.
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Large Female Torso Sculpture by Alva Studios
By Alva Studios
Located in Chicago, IL
Large midcentury female torso sculpture made of cast stone in black and cream by Alva Studios, stamped on bottom leg.
Category

1960s Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cast Stone

French Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze, Apollo Belvedere
Located in Cypress, CA
French patinated bronze figure of Apollo belvedere with in classical robes walking near a tree stump. Early 20th century. The original Apollo belv...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Onyx Column Imported from France
Located in Chicago, IL
We purchased this vintage onyx stone column in France, only to discover, that rather having been finely polished by hand, someone took a short-cut (very common in the stone industry)...
Category

1950s French Vintage Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Onyx

18th Century Wooden Hand on Stand
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This wooden hand makes the well known gesture of swearing in a ode as you would do in court. This symbolic hand signal originates from the Christian gesture of salvation as famously depicted by Leonardo da Vinci in his Salvator Mundi painting. The two fingers represent the duality and unity of the divine and the earthly, man and woman and Jezus the man and the son of God. And connected to this the sacrifice of Jezus on the cross for mankind. Interestingly hand gestures like this can also be found in other religions worldwide as for example Buddhism. The example here is carefully sculpted, with lots of details, out of poplar and then painted. This paint has faded away gracefully which gives a attractive patina. It probably was part of a larger saint statue.
Category

1780s French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Poplar

18th Century Wooden Hand on Stand
18th Century Wooden Hand on Stand
H 7.49 in W 2.37 in D 1.97 in

Neoclassical sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical sculptures and carvings made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures and carvings, popular names associated with this style include Jean Patou, and Roman Bronze Works. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $556 and tops out at $18,250 while the average work can sell for $4,775.

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