Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
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
Bronze Sculpture of a Conquered Bucking Horse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a rare and very well done bronze sculpture depicting a cowboy who is standing in the soil and has finally conquered a bucking horse in a rodeo. T...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Antique Carousel Horse "BUFFALO, NY" c. 1880s - W6054
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a great Carousel Horse that came from an estate in Buffalo, NY. It was made in the early 1900s and is in good condition. The horse is sitting on a metal pole made by a person...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Silvered Bronze Models of the Marly Horses After Guillaume Coustou
Located in London, GB
This pair of silvered bronze models show semi-clad classical male attendants restraining their rearing horses. They are modeled after the 1739 sculptures in marble by Guillaume Coust...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 1983 Bronze American Bald Eagle Soaring Wings of Glory Sculpture 15"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage bronze sculpture depicting a realistically detailed American Bald Eagle / hawk / bird swooping over abstract waves, mounted on a round wood base. Signed on base C. Ra. Van 19...
Category
1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Tall Silvered Bronze Duck
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This tall duck finely chiseled is made of silvered bronze. This is a French work. Circa 1970 (Part of a set of 3 ducks that can be sold separately)
Category
1970s French Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large 19th Century Parker American Carousel Horse
By Parker
Located in Dallas, TX
Carousel Horse (American, 19th C) Wood carved with traces of paint with stand.
An amazing decorative statement; this charming wood carved carousel horse shows character with traces of its original paint and jointed construction. The glass eye balls and facial features is a focal point from tail to hoof. Probably coming originally from a Long Island New York fair carousel ride, this bold yet soft piece draws eyes and complimentary statements as soon as guests see it. Comes with decorative wood stand!
Attributed to Parker carousel horses...
Category
1890s American Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th century Grand Tour Sculptures after the Uffizi boar
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of Grand Tour carved white marble sculptures after the Uffizi boar.
These seated wild boars display impressive carved details as they symmetrically face each other in a hande...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
Stylish silvered brass bird. French work. Circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and decorative stylished bird is made of silvered brass. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category
1970s Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Bronze Sculpture of a Child Holding an Unruly Rooster
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large and very well detailed bronze of a child bawling while struggling to hold a rooster, standing on a square base. Very well made with great verdigris patina. Suitable for outdoor...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Scale White Neo-Classical Style Ceramic Horse Bust Figurine / Statue
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale majestic white Italian horse head bust. It is unmarked and in very good condition. It most likely dates to the later part of the 20th century.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Sculptor & Artist Tom Bill - Unique Life Size Lost Wax Bronze Horse Head Bust
Located in St. Louis, MO
For the horse lover, this unique life size bronze horse head bust with artist applied patina by California Artist & Sculptor Roy T. “Tom” Bill (1946-2017). Tom received his BA in Art...
Category
1990s North American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Massive solid Bronze Realistic Hippos Sculpture on Wood Base Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful massive solid bronze realistic sculpture sitting on solid wood base Signed by Lou Ellain Pinas 3/20, rare and beautiful piece.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
American Golden Eagle Sculpture Large Painted Plaster Figure Signed
Located in Wilton, CT
Large painted plaster eagle sculpture, circa mid-20th century. Excellent rendering of the majestic bird perched on a rock outcrop with crisp detail. Sign...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Boho 1974 Monumental Jaru Plaster Lion
Located in west palm beach, FL
Command attention with this magnificent Vintage 1974 Jaru Plaster Lion, a quintessential piece from the renowned Los Angeles-based Jaru ceramic and plaster company. This striking scu...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Bronze Elephant Sculpture by David Shaefer
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a patinated bronze sculpture of an African elephant by the artist David Schaefer. Signed 'D. Shaefer' to base, copy 306/450.
Thi...
Category
20th Century Kenyan Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 20 Century Patinated Bronze Hounds
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20 Century Patinated Bronze male and female Hounds. Larger measures 13" in width, 5" in depth and 8.5" tall. Smaller is 9" in width, 4...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassic French Heavy Solid Bronze Lion
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassic French large and very heavy solid bronze lion on a marble base.
No markings.
Very detailed and lovely made.
O-636-335
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Silver Patinated Bronze Borzoi
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century French silver patinated bronze borzoi on a cream marble base. A beautiful depiction of this sleek handsome dog. In very good condition wit...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
American School Bronze Prancing Horse, Titled "Empty Saddle", circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
American school bronze prancing horse, titled "Empty Saddle", circa 1900, hollow cast bronze, mounted on a carved polychrome wood base. Unmarked, Small statue of a prancing horse, da...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Antique Iron Bulldog Dog Children's Piggy Money Bank Painted in Brown, 1920s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An antique cast iron bulldog piggy bank. Created in the 1920s, this piece is painted in brown and cream. And would make a fabulous addition to a nurs...
Category
1920s American Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Neo-Classic Bronze Centaur
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze bearded figure of a Centaur having both hands tied behind his back with a dark patina. (similar to BAS011)
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Neo-Classic Bronze Centaur
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze figure of a Centaur with raised hand and holding a staff with a dark brown patina (similar to BAS012)
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Hand-Carved Walnut American Sculpture of a Bald Eagle Landing on Tree
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This a single piece of wood, expertly hand-carved in incredible detail with naturalistic carving of feathers, talons, beak and wings. The bald eagle is just landing and appears to be...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Brown Ceramic Horse Head Bookend in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large ceramic hand-painted horse head. This piece would be great in a nursery or for equestrians. Created from ceramic, this piece depicts the bust of a horse hand painted in brown...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Pair of Neoclassic Earthenware Elephants with Obelisks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of Italian neoclassic garnitures or objects of art depicting elephants carrying obelisks, crafted in ceramic or earthenware with a bisque finish and highlighted with bro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Italian Earthenware Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique Italian true pair of lions crafted in terra cotta, decorated, glazed and forever in repose.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Wood Carved American Jumper Carousel Horse
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Wood Carved American Jumper Carousel Horse
Beautiful early 1900's wood carved classic American jumper carousel horse. The horse has been refur...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Bronze Sculpture with Marble Base, Signed Comolera, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Bronze sculpture with marble base. Signed Comolera. France, late 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Austrian Bronze Dog 'ashtray and phosphor'
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Austrian bronze dog (ashtray and phosphor)
Artist: F. Gornik sealed at its base
circa 1900 perfect condition.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Hunter and Deer Sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hunter and deer sculpture
materials pewter electro plated and marble
Origin Germany, circa 1900
perfect condition.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pewter
Folk Art Hand Carved Coyote Floor Standing Sculpture
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Decorative Hand Carved Coyote Floor Standing Sculpture.
Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with this stunning Decorative Hand Carved Coyote Floor Standing Sculpture. This uniq...
Category
1990s American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Large Pair of C19th Grand Tour Carved Medici Lions
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A large and rare C19th pair of `Grand Tour` Medici lions in carved wood, at opposing stances with heads turned to sinister and dexter, with one paw on a ball. Circa 1830. In good co...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Theodor Kärner figure Hunting rider pincess MARGARETHE V. Thurn and Taxis.
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Theodor Kärner Hohenberg/Eger 1885 - Munich 1966
Figure 'Hunting rider Princess Margarethe v. Thurn and Taxis'
Nymphenburg, 20th century. Designed in ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Lions. Bow Porcelain C1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An attractive pair of lions, in the white; possibly based on a Chinese original.
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Golden Pheasant Polychrome Bronze Vienna, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Golden pheasant polychrome bronze Vienna, 19th century
Polychrome bronze figure showing a golden male pheasant perched. A bird native to Asia, it was ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Roman Carrara Marble Lioness
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent hand carved Carrara marble sculpture of a lioness head from Rome. Mounted on a metal base. Base 13.75"W x 12.25"D.
Category
1650s Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Carrara Marble, Metal
1950 Pair of Statuary White Marble Sphinxes
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of winged sphinxes, heads of monkeys, bodies of female dragons, adorned with a wreath of flowers, white statuary marble, condition of use, old restorations, circa 1950, weight o...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Neoclassical animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, folk art, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical 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 Chesterfield, Alfred Barye, Antonio Frilli, and Aristide Fontana. 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 $125 and tops out at $127,500 while the average work can sell for $3,600.