Modern Animal Sculptures
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Style: Modern
Color: Black
Geko Vase Small, Small Vase in Glass with 2 Gekos, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Geko Vase Small, Small Vase in Glass with 4 Gekos, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Egg with Two Gekos, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured objects...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Geko Vase Big, Big Vase in Glass with 4 Gekos, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Glass Egg Marble Effect with Frogs Color Gray, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Small Brass "Bee" Sculpture on Marble Base by Gaston Lachaise Philadelphia MOA
By Gaston Lachaise, Alva Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
This very cool and stylish sculpture of a "Bee" in brass on a marble base is an authorized museum replica by Alva Studios and was produced in the late 1970s. The original by Gaston L...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Animal Sculptures
Geko Vase Big, Big Vase in Glass with 8 Gekos, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Walter Bosse, for Herta Baller, "Black Gold Line" Elephant in Bronze, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Walter Bosse, Austrian artist and designer (b. 1904, 1974) for Herta Baller. "Black gold line" elephant in bronze. 1950s.
Walter Bosse was affiliated with Wiener Werkstätte with Jos...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Modern Animal Sculptures
Bust Marengo, Black, in Ceramic, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
In Bassano ceramics have been produced for 300 years. In fact, from the 17th century this art has been developed in Veneto thanks to the presence of plastic clay, solder and kaolin i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Vintage Hand-Crafted & Signed Mixed Media Zebra Sculpture or Planter Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial zebra sculpture or planter box was made by Monica Oliver, and unknown artist, in 1990 in a modern realistic style. The sculpture appears to be composed of ...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass, Paper
Venini Pavoncella Bird Sculpture by Toni Zuccheri
By Venini, Toni Zuccheri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Pavoncella sculpture by Toni Zuccheri. Numbered edition for year. Sculpture hand-blown glass.
Technique: Canes and Filigree
Dimensions: Ø 31 cm, H 23 cm
Year of Manufactu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Venini Anatre Glass Duck Sculpture in Black & Crystal by Toni Zuccheri
By Venini, Toni Zuccheri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Anatre sculpture by Toni Zuccheri. Numbered edition for year. Sculpture hand-blown glass.
Technique: Beaten, Canes and Filigree, Engraved
Dimensions: Ø 30 cm, H 19 cm
Y...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
Pietà Ceramic Sculpture by Massimo Giacon for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Limited edition ceramic sculpture part of the "Pop Will Eat Himself" designed by Massimo Giacon and produced by Superego Editions. Signed and numbered.
Biography
Massimo Giacon was...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Romano Donà 1990s Multi-Color Murano Glass Toucan Sculpture Venice Italy
By Romano Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Romano Donà 1990s Multi-Color Murano Glass Toucan Sculpture Venice Italy.
Behold a captivating masterpiece, a testament to the enchanting artistry of Murano, Italy. This remarkable t...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Glass
Danish Art Glass Hen Figurines, 1980s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative pair of hen figurines in marbled multicolored glass. Hand blown and finished by the founders of Danish glass art husband and wife John and Ulri...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Bronze Horse Sculpture by the Mexican Artist Heriberto Jaurez
By Heriberto Juárez
Located in North Miami, FL
Offered for sale is a bronze sculpture of a rearing horse by the Mexican artist Heriberto Jaurez. Heriberto Juárez (March 16, 1932-August 26, 2008) was a self-taught Mexican sculptor...
Category
20th Century Mexican Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Formia 2001 Italian Black Murano Glass Bottle with Dog Head Stopper
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary object d'Art with big size, an exceptional rare canopic jar by Formia in blown Murano glass that bring enthusiasm for the subject and the exe...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Unique Black Painted Terracotta Sculpture of a Hawk Skull by Darla Jackson, 2016
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: Untitled.
A unique black painted terracotta sculpture of a hawk's skull by Darla Jackson.
Date: 2016.
Length: circa 4 in.
Signed to the base D. Jackson.
Darla J...
Category
2010s American Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Small Plate with Bird Between Two Butterflies
Located in Roma, IT
Black marble finely inlaid with polychrome marbles and semiprecious stones. Designed as a pin. Florence, 19th century.
This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislati...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
When Bad Things Happen, A Terracotta Rabbit Sculpture by Darla Jackson, 2014
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: When Bad Things Happen.
A unique black painted terracotta sculpture of a rabbit by Darla Jackson.
Date: 2014.
Length: ca. 8 in.
Signed to the reverse with the arti...
Category
2010s American Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Small Plate with Dogs and Puppies
Located in Roma, IT
Slate finely decorated with micro mosaic. Designed as a pin.
This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any artwork in Italy created over 70 years ago by an a...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal
Limited Edition Sterling Silver Giraffe Sculpture by Tim Nicklin
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Limited edition sterling silver giraffe sculpture by Tim Nicklin, the giraffe walks on a ground with fallen tree branches. Mounted on a faux wood shaped me...
Category
20th Century American Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sculpture Sheathed of Leather Representing a Horse
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture sheathed of leather representing a horse.
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather
20th Century Rare and Mint Condition Purple Glazed Ceramic Barn Owl Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and highly decorative, 1980's owl sculpture.
This stunning barn owl will look great on any mid-century design piece of furniture. It is beautifully made and in perfect conditio...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Handmade Pottery Sculpture of a Fish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk art handmade pottery sculpture of a fish - a great replica of a fish trophy in the most outrageous of colors and style - a compliment to any decor, tr...
Category
20th Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Great Lapis Lazuli Sculpture circa 1950, India
Located in Milan, Italy
A great and beautiful Lapis Lazuli sculpture of circa 1950, produced in India.
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Black Gesso and Raw Graphite Resin Sculpture of a Pygmy Rabbit by Darla Jackson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: Pygmy rabbit.
A cast black gesso and raw graphite resin sculpture by Darla Jackson.
Date: 2016.
Length: ca. 4 3/4 in.
Also available in bronze on commission basis ...
Category
2010s American Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gesso, Resin
Hand Carved White Gemstone Owl Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand carved white gemstone owl sculpture. It is standing over a raw amethyst stone. It’s pair of eyes are a faceted black buttons and it’s ...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Michel Anasse Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Michel Anasse sculpture in soldering iron representing a pheasant.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Modern animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, VG design and laboratory department, Stefano Giovannoni, and Superego Editions. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $53 and tops out at $6,718,000 while the average work can sell for $1,745.