Busts

Disko metal bust of a Fanø girl designed by Carl Emil Ruge for Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Disko metal bust depicting a young woman in the traditional folk costume of the Danish i...

Beautiful female mannequin head made from plaster servings as an advertising bust in a shop. It was used to be displayed at a shopcounter or vitrine. Comes from a lot acquired from a clothes shop...

Elegant Carrara marble bust representing Juliette Récamier, the famous Lyonnaise socialite and emblematic figure of early 19th-century French society. This sculpture is executed aft...

A charming and very high quality true pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated bronze and ormolu statues, signed Carl Kauba. Each patinated bronze winged cherub is dated 1...

Carrara marble sculpture "Schiava" attributed to Giacomo Ginotti (1845-1897). Italy, late 19th Century.

This pair of 19th century busts are after noted French sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824 - 1887). The pieces are exquisitely detailed and depict the head and torso of a ...

Porcelain sculpture inspired by the connection between humans and nature. This male porcelain bust portrays a man in a pensive inner-looking pose. It re...

This finely executed bust of a Naiad is attributed to the neoclassical sculptor John Gibson (1790 – 1866). A Naiad was a type of mythological water nymph and is depicted here with her head bowed and cocked slightly to the side, displaying her strong neo-Hellenistic profile. In her hair, the nymph wears a headdress that is comprised of long and slender reed leaves, which not only identifies her iconographically as a water spirit, but draws a close comparison with those worn by the female figures in John Gibson’s Hylas Surprised by the Naiades (1827 - 1837) (fig.1). The downwards and off-centre orientation of our Naiad bust mirrors that of the taller figure on the left of the group, who rests her cheek on the head young Hylas (fig.2) Her facial physiognomy follows the neo-Hellenistic archetype established by Gibson and can be closely compared with his Tinted Venus – one of the most important statues of the Victorian era (1851–56, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool) (fig.3). While Gibson’s Tinted Venus is known best for its controversial polychrome ‘tinting’, the essential structure of the face—broad brow, finely drawn nose, wide (and slightly drooping) almond-shaped eyes - provided a template that Gibson returned to repeatedly in his depiction of mythological maidens. Critics of the time noted the consistency of his female types, with some seeing their idealised severity as an antidote to the sentimentality of much mid-Victorian sculpture (fig.4 – 6). The facial physiognomy is also very similar to a drawing by Gibson at the Royal Academy that depicts Hero weeping over the dead body of Leander (fig.7). The socle style of the present work also finds comparisons with Gibsons busts of Cupid and Aurora. This was of course somewhat standardised, but it is interesting to note the extent of their similarity with our bust. John Gibson RA is considered by many to be the greatest British sculptor of the nineteenth century working in the Neoclassical style. It is hard to overestimate the impact Rome had on the life and art of the artist. He first arrived in the city around 1817, when he was just twenty-six, and remained a resident there until his death. Not only did Rome’s ancient sculptural treasures and architectural fragments offer Gibson a lifetime of inspiration, but the Grand Tourists who poured into Rome in the first half of the nineteenth century provided him with many commercial opportunities. These rich or aristocratic travellers sought out mythological sculptures for their grand, palatial residences. However, since the papal decrees of Doria Pamphilj and Pacca of 1803 banned the export of ancient Greek and Roman works of art from Rome, there was a large demand for modern idealised sculpture in the Neoclassical style (Frasca-Rath 2016, p. 10). During his early days in the city he had the great fortune to train under both Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen (Roscoe and Hardy 2009, p. 522). He referred continuously to Canova as his “master”, particularly in his memoirs, which he dictated to Margarete Sandbach at the beginning of the 1850s; these were subsequently published by Lady Eastlake in 1870. Moreover, he claimed to be Canova’s last pupil in a letter to Antonio Gacini, Secretary of the Royal Academy in Milan in 1861, written to thank the Academy for accepting him as an Honorary Member: “The first instruction which I received in my art was from an Italian. It was Canova whose pupil I became in the year 1817 and studied under him for five years when he died. I was his last pupil” (Royal Academy Archive GI/1376). By 1821, Gibson had established his own studio in the via Fontanella, off the via Babuino. From here he aimed to produce sculpture of “the sublime and the purest beauty”, believing that the sculptor’s role was to select and combine the most beautiful parts of nature to create a harmonious whole, which would delight and elevate the viewer. By the mid nineteenth century he was one of the few remaining exponents of the so-called ‘pure’ and ‘neo Hellenistic’ style of sculpture, resolutely upholding the Neoclassical ideals established by Wincklemann, in a period when naturalism and modern subjects preoccupied the majority of artists in Europe (Turner, ed., 1996, p. 598). Gibson was convinced of the importance of disseminating artistic ideas through the younger generations, an ideal no doubt impressed upon him by Canova, and established ‘the British Academy of Arts in Rome’. His students included William Theed (1804–1891), Benjamin Spence (1822–1866), Harriet Hosmer...

Outstanding, limited edition, hand carved, estate European Turkish meerschaum pipe is in unused, pristine condition and is a rare and very fine smoking collectable for a pipe aficion...

This antique bust or figurative sculpture is unsigned by the artist, but is identified as originating from Italy and dates to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style...

Very nice vintage 20th century Plaster made in the 1950s as an advertisement for the lingerie Liane for DIOR. Good condition for its age.

Magnificent large bust of Hermes In White Emailled Ceramic Work of Quality from the 1950s/1960s. Very decorative. Perfect condition.

Bronze sculpture signed H. Gauquie, France, late 19th century.

19th Century bronze bust of Homer attributed to the Chiurazzi Foundry, Naples, Italy. Homer was author of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Bronze Thailand figurative buddha sculpture bust, 20th century with patina. Offered for sale is a large and substantial bronze Buddha bust from T...

This bronze bust is inspired by the German avant-garde of the early 20th century. This unique piece combines art and history. The bust represents distinctive portrait style, known fo...

A French 19th century bronze and marble bust of Marianne in full armor. The nicely cast Baroque Revival brown patinated bronze and carved white marble figure of Marianne, the allegorical personification of the French Republic, presented in her militaristic guise, reminiscent of Minerva, wearing a Phrygian helmet and armored breastplate centered by winged male mask and with lion shoulder armor pads, all raised on a conforming black marble base. Circa: 1890-1900. Marianne has been the national personification of the French Republic since the French Revolution, as a personification of liberty, equality, fraternity and reason, as well as a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty. Marianne is displayed in many places in France and holds a place of honor in town halls and law courts. She is depicted in the Triumph of the Republic, a bronze sculpture overlooking the Place de la Nation in Paris, as well as represented with another Parisian statue on the Place de la République. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, appears on French euro coins and on French postage stamps. She was also featured on the former franc currency and is officially used on most government documents. Marianne is a significant republican symbol; her French monarchist equivalent is often Joan of Arc. As a national icon Marianne represents opposition to monarchy and the championship of freedom and democracy against all forms of oppression. Other national symbols of Republican France include the tricolor flag, the national motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the national anthem "La Marseillaise", the coat of arms, and the official Great Seal of France. Marianne also wore a Cockade and a red Phrygian cap symbolizing Liberty. Minerva and its pendant bust of Mars evoke the classicizing subjects, bust-length formats, and style that originated in France during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715) and that concurrently was popularized across Europe. The busts' simple forms, stiff poses, and solemn facial types are consistent with the late Baroque sculptures that were carved in Flanders during this period. In Flanders, especially in Antwerp and Brussels, sculpture and architectural decoration traditionally was carved using combinations of native black marble (noir belge), mottled red marble (rouge belge), and white marble or alabaster. The use of these stones in colorful counterpoint speaks most strongly to the busts’ Flemish origins. The veneration of ideal heroes and heroines in ancient costume and arms took on extravagant form in the 17th century, with countless variations. Within this imaginative tradition, the identification of the pair as Minerva and Mars cannot be certain. The female bust, for example, could be identified as Bellona, Roman goddess of war, who is depicted in 17th and 18th century French paintings wearing flamboyantly plumed helmets and low-cut cuirasses that expose her breasts. Whatever their identities, the female and male warriors are portrayed as calm rather than bellicose beings. The sovereign pair does...

Sculpture of the head of the Japanese Dancer Hanako by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), circa 1930. Gold glazed ceramic version by Jean Mayodon (1893-1967). 11"...

Decorate an office shelf with this elegant pair of antique busts. Crafted in France circa 1950, both subject stand on a circular marble base and depict a Royalty couple in traditiona...

Bronze bust representing Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, depicted together in a single sculptural composition. This figurative work presents both historical figures in a calm and digni...

A plaster bust depicting a young man, signed at the bottom by Stina Edman

An antique marble bust of a bearded male in classical Roman attire. Larger than life size and carved in pure white Italian statuary Carrara marble. In u...

Add elegance and charm to your interior with this Art Nouveau bronze bust of a boy, signed by the renowned French artist Auguste Moreau. Each detail of the sculpture reflects the del...

A finely cast plaster bust depicting Hermès (Mercury), modeled after a 4th-century BC Greek original. The head is crisply detailed—tight curls, subtly parted lips, and a confident d...

An Outstanding Pair 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Busts of Apollo & Artemis, One Bust is Signed on the Back, "F Vichi". This pair of stunning marble busts, hand-car...

A striking large scale plaster torso dating from the mid 20th century - this sculptural piece is grand in scale and highly decorative. With its simplified form and softly weathered...

Presenting a commanding vintage cast stone bust, elegantly depicting Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and moon, often identified with the Roman Diana. This exquisi...

Buste in relief from a young Roman emperor. On the head the emperor wears a laurer wreath.

A large hand-carved temple sculpture from the 19th century depicting a Thai warrior holding a sword and a trident, with great distressed appearance. Creat...

Pair Antique French Terracotta Busts Signed "Houdon" on Marble Bases, Circa 1860. Male Bust: 17 3/4" H x 9 1/2" W x 8 1/2" D Female Bust: 19 1/4" H x 10" W x 6 1/2" D

An elegant Roman-inspired bust crafted from resin with a bronze-effect finish and an aged gold-toned toga. The piece depicts a male figure with classical features, a resolute express...

A superb French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. patinated bronze bust of Diana the Huntress, signed HOUDON and SUSSE Frères. The bust is raised by ...

A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...

This 20th century Polish plaster bust presents a compelling blend of classical influence and expressive realism. Modeled with careful attention to proportion, the sculpture depicts a...

Pareja de bustos, Francia, siglo XIX “Mercurio y Marte” Bronce pavonado y dorado, mármol negro belga y mármol rouge groitte Medidas: 40 x 12 x 12 cm (x2) Estos bustos franceses de l...

This lovely little lamp depicting a gilt bronze bust of a maiden looking into a stone room with bars certainly is an allegorical tale. Her distinct rich free flowing hair commands your attention. The room does light...

Alabaster woman bust, signed Antonio Frilli, Italy, circa 1890.

Fine and very detailed patinated bronze bust of a Roman or Greek nobleman.

Hand carved from a single reclaimed teak wood root with natural oil finish, a male torso. Shown on a black metal base. Own an Andrianna Shamaris original. Andrianna Shamaris. The L...

Scultura, Venere di Milo - marmo bianco statuario - 60 cm - Marmo - XX secolo.

- Art Deco Geo Maxim female figure - Delightful 1930s Art Deco French figure depicting a girl holding a basket of flowers in polychrome. The base is solid highly polished marble. Signed Geo Maxim. The piece is in Excellent condition with No damages at all and has a wonderful patina and just some age related wear to the cold painting. Ideal size for displaying in any Deco collection /setting. Georges...

Exceptional Grand Tour Carrara marble bust of the Roman goddess, Diana the Huntress (Artemis in Greek mythology), by the widely admired master, Eugenio Battiglia, of Firenze (Florenc...

A fine Art Nouveau period patinated bronze bust of Diana, signed A. Falguiere, for Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière, also known as Alexandre Falguiere for short, and stamped with the ...

TERRACOTTA GREEK WOMAN HEAD BUST 21th Century H: 33cm Height 33 cm Width 20 cm Depth 26 cm Weight 8 Kg Material Terracotta

Florence Fiore (American, 1905-1999) A from-life plaster bust of American composer Rudolph Gruen, circa 1930s. 10 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 20 inches tall Florence Reeve Fiore was a portrait artist and sculptor who was active on the east coast in New York, Washington and Jekyll Island...

Handmade Glazed Ceramic Bust Sculpture, 1970s Product Details Dimensions: 24 W x 34 H x 25 D cm

Figurative bookends hand carved African West-coast 1960-70's depicting a man and women. They are priced and sold as a set.  

Sign: Aktien-Gesellschaft Gladenbeck was a foundry located in Berlin, Germany, that operated from 1851 until 1926. During the 75-year period when the foundry was in operation it was...

Figurative unglazed ceramic female sculpture. The natural color of the clay, paired with the robust physique is what called us to this piece. Signed a...

An antique Regency white statuary marble bust of a young Roman man. Dating to 1820, this is an impressive sculpture of a young man, wearing a Roman toga on a round socle base in Reg...

The Mousai (Muses) were the goddesses of music, song and dance, the source of inspirations to poets. They were also goddesses of knowledge who remembered all things that had come to ...

Marble bust sculpture on granite base signed Simon.

Raised on an olive velvet base. Dimensions include the base. Portraiture is often seen as the quintessential Renaissance art form, and clay was used increasingly during the 15th cen...

Art Deco bronze sculpture male bust by Ugo Cipriani. Patinated bronze. Belgian black marble base. France 1930. Literatuur: “Art Deco sculpture” Alastair Duncan.

Jared French (American, 1905-1988) Portrait bust of Chuck Howard, 1951 plaster on wood base Titled and signed with “CH" mongram for Howard over the date...

More information coming soon… This large, decorative wooden boiserie element from the late 1800s is quite an interesting item. Based on the size, the fact that it depicts a female ...

Bronze sculpture by Georges Van Der Straeten (1856-1928), stamped "Société des bronzes de Paris". Measures: H 34 cm, W 19 cm, D 16 cm. Con...

This 1920s French plaster bust of a boy captures the quiet sensitivity and naturalism characteristic of early 20th-century decorative sculpture. The figure is rendered with gentle fa...

An elegant early 20th century Italian marble bust of Homer, the legendary ancient Greek poet traditionally credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey—two foundational works ...

This is an alabaster and marble bust of Saint Clare of Assisi. It depicts a young lady head/face covered with a cloak. She is looking down, very peacefully...