Italian Busts

A renowned technique embraced from the time of the ancient Romans, marbling was selected by artists at Romanelli to craft this singular plaster head of the Venus De Milo. An ode to t...

Vintage Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Emperor Caesar Augustus on Sienna Marble, circa early 1900s. A piece of imperial history with this classic Grand Tour bronze bust of Augustus Caesar...

Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey by Paolo Giordano Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey into the C...

Smaller scale bronze statue depicting the Greek god Poseidon (or Roman god Neptune) holding his signature trident. The statue has an aged finish with a green verdigris patina, common...

A stupendous representation of Ares, half-brother of Athens, son of Zeus and Hera, and the God of War, this sculpture will make a unique and sophisticated addition to a personal coll...

Spectacular and very decorative piece. Large carved wooden reliquary bust of a Madonna. Beautiful traces of color. Small losses and without the relics. Silver/silvered central piece ...

A sculpture in precious white Carrara marble reproducing the Torso Gaddi, the famous fragmentary sculpture displayed in the Uffizi Museums in Florence, which inspired many great arti...

Deftly handmade of gypsum rendered with the marbling technique, which dates back to Ancient Roman times especially typical of the Pompeian paintings,...

This magnificent bust of Apollo, the Greek god of art, medicine, and music is directly inspired by the Classic marble statues in the Roman tradit...

Small Bust of Lady in Biscuit Porcelain Placed on a Vintage Square Pedestal Made in Red Marble. This shelf size sculpture would be perfect as a decorative piece on a table in a livin...

Inspired by the internationally-celebrated sculpture of Venus found in 1820 in the Greek Island of Milos and nowadays exhibited at the Louvre Museum of Paris, this gorgeous bust will...

GRAND TOUR Italy, circa late 19th/early 20th Century Bust of Young Gaius Octavius Augustus Carved Carrara marble, unsigned 17 1/4" H x 8 3/4" W x 5 5/8" D A good Grand Tour bust ...

A widely celebrated model of human aesthetic inspiring Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, this plaster bust of Gaddi Torso is handcrafted by skilled ar...

The elegant features of the young Antinous, a favorite of beloved Roman emperor Hadrian, are masterfully captured with exceptional richness in this plaster bust of the ancient Greek hero...

GRAND TOUR Italy, mid-19th century Bust of the goddess Diana Cast by Del Nero Foundry, Rome, crisp inscription to base of neck verso DEL NERO ROMA Patinated bronze raised on a mottled pink marble...

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...

Possibly Beatrice, but likely a Grand Tour bust figure, painted plaster over wood. Marked 921 to verso. Barely a few losses to paint. Enchanting and remarkable bust of a young medieval woman. Grand Tour busts were popular souvenirs for wealthy Europeans, particularly British aristocrats, who traveled around Europe, especially Italy, from the 17th to the 19th centuries. These busts often depicted historical figures, mythological characters, or, as seen here, idealized figures in classical style. The provided search results and image descriptions suggest that this could be a 19th-century polychrome painted plaster cast bust...

CARVED ALABASTER BUST OF "VENUS OF MILO" Probably Italian, first half of the 20th century unsigned raised on an original shaped plinth 18" H x 10 1/4" W x 5 1/4" D Carved in a s...

Fine antique (19th century) continental bust of a lovely female in curls and dress adorned with bows at the shoulder. Apparently unsigned.

Aldo Londi Bitossi Kwan Yin, Ceramic, Buddha Bust, Blue. Beautiful and calming female Buddha glazed in a vibrant dark blue. It is believed that to have a picture or statue of Kwan Yi...

An elegant late 19th-century Italian marble bust of Psyche of Capua, inspired by classical Roman models. Finely carved with delicate features and flowing drapery, this piece embodie...

An antique Italian torso of a Roman male in hand carved Carrara marble and mounted onto a black marble base, in good condition. The Italian décor represe...

Exceptional and rare Guido Cacciapuoti 30’s face ceramic /stoneware 1930 Italy

Wonderfully detailed Art Nouveau style alabaster carved bust of a woman with a sheer dress wearing a head band by famous Italian artist Antonio Frilli. Signed “A. Frilli Firenze" ...

A fine antique 19th Century petite Grand Tour souvenir bronze bust of Italian poet Dante Alighieri. This handsome bust is well cast with exquisite details and lovely original patina....

Italian Hadrian Roman Breccia and mixed marble bust with lapis lazuli brooch.

The piece is a unique representation of a Chimpanzee in a modern way. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.   

Great sculpture representing Pharaoh TutanKhamon in Capodimonte Italia porcelain decorated and designed by Mario Pegorami is one of the most important artists representing the ancien...

A pair of Neoclassical Grand Tour Italian hand carved marble busts depicting Roman Emperors, presented as pendant figures and raised on turned marble socle bases. One bust represents...

Alabaster bust depicting Joan of Arc, whose creation is attributed to Giuseppe Bessi in the early 20th century Ø cm 27 Ø cm 16 h cm 28 Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléan...

The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....

A decorative sculpture that will imbue both classic and contemporary interiors with timeless sophistication, this stupendous bust is handcrafted of gypsum by Romanelli's artisans. Mo...

The piece is a unique representation of a woman in a modern way. The woman is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces complet...

18/19th Century Parian Marble Bust Sappho 1790/1800 Neoclassicism Villa Albani This classical marble bust depicts Sappho, a famous ancient Greek poet. She lived on the island of Les...

A classic Italian Roman statue of the 'David' on a black marble base by sculptor G. Ruggeri, Italy, circa mid-20th century, Italy. White resin statue is on a black marble base with t...

Bronze Moore sculpture, believed to be Italian, in the 19th century style, but probably executed in the mid 20th century.

1:1 TERRACOTTA HEAD OF THE FARNESE HERCULES, 20th Century High-quality museum copy, perfect 1:1 reproduction of the head and upper body of the Farnese Hercules, housed at the Nation...

Stucco head of a Roman figure. Signed on the back (unknown). The head is separate from the base.

Sculpture, Female torso, classical art, Greek art, Torso, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient torso, Venus torso, Greek art, Roman art Female torso carved on beautiful...

ROMAN TERRACOTTA BACCHUS - CHIARAMONTI MUSEUM, 20th Century Patinated terracotta head of a young Bacchus. Copy of the Bacchus from the Vatican Museums. Height 56 cm Width 25 cm

An extraordinary and wonderfully rendered 19th century Italian cast bronze depicting a seated Hermes, the Greek god of messengers, travelers, and merchan...

A 19th century bronze bust of Ajax the great by Chiurazzi, Napoli after the antique.  Bearing the mark of the Chiurazzi foundry, and raised on a Breccia marble base, this high quali...

An Italian 19th century grand tour - Greco Roman bronze sculpture of Narcissus, after the original sculpture excavated in 1862 at Pompeii. The green...

The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.      

Italian Grand Tour Marble Bust of Augustus Caesar, originally known as Octavian. Augustus was Julius Caesar's great-nephew, and Julius Caesar named him as prime beneficiary and his p...

Wonderful pair of 19th Century Roman Emperor Portrait Busts Representing Marcus Aurelius and Caracalla in Terracotta with Bronze Heads. Italy Naples late 19th / early 20th Century. Life-size busts, the heads cast in bronze with the body of terracotta, modelled with vest without sleeves and toga thrown over one shoulder. Wonderful verdigris patination to the bronze and weathered to the terracotta. Very unusual to have a bronze head coupled with a terracotta body these highly imposing decorative busts are of excellent quality. Depicting the Roman Caesars...

Masterfully carved & most impressive Italian Vanitas bust in solid marble from late 19th century. White Carrara marble skull combined with a Belgian...

19th century Italian terracotta bust of a classical male. This monumental antique Italian terracotta bust sculpture of a classical Roman male is a well executed statement piece and...

Top quality carved bust, signed by Cristoforo Vicari (Swiss-Italian, 1946-1913). This remarkable antique alabaster sculpture depicts a serene young woman dressed in a Florentine cos...

Italian Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Asclepius, the Greek god of Medicine and Healing, revered since antiquity as the divine physician. Bust de...

The piece is a unique representation of a woman in a modern way. The woman is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mo...

LARGE BEAUTIFUL TERRACOTTA GRIFFINS 20th century Copy of ancient Renaissance griffins. Impruneta terracotta. Made in Tuscany HEIGHT 73 cm WIDTH 30 cm DEPTH 64 cm WEIGHT 25 kg MANUF...

Beautiful Italian " Torso " 20th century Carrara marble. Measure: H: 47m including base, 30cm without very good condition

7 Stunning Italian Marble Sculptures Representing "The Baths of Apollo" H: 220cm early 20th Century France. Versailles. Palace. Gardens. Grove of the Baths of Apollo. Hubert Robert....

A rare and important Italian alabaster bust sculpture of Jesus Christ, C. 1860 A modeled bust of Holy Christ wearing a crown of thorns, excep...

The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...

Very stunning large Art Deco Statue by Cia Manna, Torino, Italy. C.I.A. Manna Torino Lenci Nel Palmeto ceramic sculpture. Semi nude form of young woman. Work...

Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Cesare, busto Giulio Cesare, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, marco Aure...

It’s a bust-style sculpture, capturing the head of a woman with soft, classical features. The face has serene, somewhat idealized features, with a closed or neutral mouth and heavy-l...

Large and Stunning Pair Italian Specimen Marble busts of Roman Emperors designed after the original ancient busts. Likely Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian. Each bust displays detailed fac...