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French Provincial Busts

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: French Provincial
19th-century French School terracotta bust
Located in Long Island City, NY
19th-century French School terracotta bust on a red marble base. Dimensions: 25"H ( Overall ) 19"H x 17"W x 9"D Period: 20th Century Condition: Good condition. Wear consistent wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Marble

19th-century French School terracotta bust
19th-century French School terracotta bust

19th-century French School terracotta bust

Houdin Busts of Happy Baby and Crying Baby, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute pair of mini busts of babies with crying and laughing faces by Houdin. These are small in scale and made with plaster. Very rare to have the pair.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Busts

Materials

Plaster

Houdin Busts of Happy Baby and Crying Baby, a Pair
Houdin Busts of Happy Baby and Crying Baby, a Pair

Houdin Busts of Happy Baby and Crying Baby, a Pair

19th Century French Provincial Hand Painted Terracotta Woman Bust Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful bust would make any wall interesting and unique, adding a touch of feminine, old-world charm. Crafted in southern France circa 1880, the large antique wall-hanging statue...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century French Provincial Hand Painted Terracotta Woman Bust Sculpture
19th Century French Provincial Hand Painted Terracotta Woman Bust Sculpture

19th Century French Provincial Hand Painted Terracotta Woman Bust Sculpture

Eugène Blot, pair of small busts in terracotta
By Eugène Blot
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Pair of small busts in terracotta by the French sculptor Eugene Blot (Grandvillers 1830-1899). Signed on the base.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Eugène Blot, pair of small busts in terracotta
Eugène Blot, pair of small busts in terracotta

Eugène Blot, pair of small busts in terracotta

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Pair of 19th Century Busts
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 19th century busts. These are 2 19th century Gesso painted busts of 2 archaeologists of the period. Measurements: 69 x 62 x 28 Y 65 x 60 x 30 Good condition.
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19th Century English Antique French Provincial Busts

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Gesso

Pair of 19th Century Busts
Pair of 19th Century Busts

Pair of 19th Century Busts

H 27.17 in W 24.41 in D 11.03 in
19th Century Victorian Neo Classical Terracotta Bust
Located in New York, NY
Classical terracotta bust in very good original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age. The bust depicts a woman’s head, her hair is tied back in ...
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19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

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Terracotta

19th Century Victorian Neo Classical Terracotta Bust
19th Century Victorian Neo Classical Terracotta Bust

19th Century Victorian Neo Classical Terracotta Bust

H 18 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in
Late 19th Century French Fabric Bust
Located in Chicago, IL
Late 19th century French Fabric Bust. Antique bust found in Paris was a shop display and is now a fantastic object with a rich and gorgeous patina. Tur...
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Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

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Late 19th Century French Fabric Bust
Late 19th Century French Fabric Bust

Late 19th Century French Fabric Bust

H 24 in W 16 in D 10 in
Terracotta Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This terra-cotta sculpture no doubt depicts the bust of Roman Emperor or Senator in classical dress gazing over his left shoulder. This is a magnificently robust life size bust...
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1960s Italian Vintage French Provincial Busts

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Terracotta

Terracotta Bust of Roman Emperor
Terracotta Bust of Roman Emperor

Terracotta Bust of Roman Emperor

H 33 in W 25 in D 18 in
Antique Alabaster Sculptures, Antique Bust Of Woman, Female Sculpture, 19th.
Located in Breganze, VI
The category Antique Marble and Alabaster Sculptures, features a beautiful and refined Female Sculpture, depicting a Bust of a Woman, of a Girl with a headdress and gentle gaze. Th...
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Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

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Alabaster

Antique Alabaster Sculptures, Antique Bust Of Woman, Female Sculpture, 19th.
Antique Alabaster Sculptures, Antique Bust Of Woman, Female Sculpture, 19th.

Antique Alabaster Sculptures, Antique Bust Of Woman, Female Sculpture, 19th.

H 17.33 in W 13 in D 7.09 in
A French Terracotta Pug, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Terracotta Pug, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 16cm. Width: 30cm. Depth: 14.5cm.
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19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

A French Terracotta Pug, 19th Century
A French Terracotta Pug, 19th Century

A French Terracotta Pug, 19th Century

H 6.3 in W 11.82 in D 5.71 in
19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
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...
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19th Century Italian Antique French Provincial Busts

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Terracotta

19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male

19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male

H 29.5 in W 23 in D 11 in
Early Terracotta Bust of Young Boy
Located in Peekskill, NY
An enchanting antique bust statue of a young boy dating from the early 1900s. I am guessing on the date but it may be much earlier. The figure has ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Early Terracotta Bust of Young Boy
Early Terracotta Bust of Young Boy

Early Terracotta Bust of Young Boy

H 12 in W 9 in D 5 in
French Terracotta Bust of an Officer
Located in Essex, MA
In the Napoleonic style with much later faux marbre plinth.
Category

1850s European Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

French Terracotta Bust of an Officer
French Terracotta Bust of an Officer

French Terracotta Bust of an Officer

H 13 in Dm 5.63 in
Terracotta Bust Signed Lavergne, 19th Century
By Adolphe-Jean Lavergne
Located in Paris, FR
Terracotta bust by the French artist Adolphe-Jean Lavergne (1852-1901), signed. 19th century.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Terracotta Bust Signed Lavergne, 19th Century
Terracotta Bust Signed Lavergne, 19th Century

Terracotta Bust Signed Lavergne, 19th Century

H 21.46 in W 7.88 in D 9.65 in
Antique Terracotta Bust of Beethoven
Located in Austin, TX
Antique bust from France made circa 1900. The sculpture is crafted in terracotta with a beautiful original patina. It showcases the bust of famed German composer, Beethoven including...
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Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Busts

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Terracotta

Antique Terracotta Bust of Beethoven
Antique Terracotta Bust of Beethoven

Antique Terracotta Bust of Beethoven

H 16.25 in W 9.875 in D 8.75 in
Renaissance Revival Terracotta Bust of a Man
Located in Kittery Point, ME
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...
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique French Provincial Busts

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Terracotta

Renaissance Revival Terracotta Bust of a Man
Renaissance Revival Terracotta Bust of a Man

Renaissance Revival Terracotta Bust of a Man

H 11.5 in W 14.25 in D 7.5 in
Previously Available Items
Vide Poche Roger Capron en céramique Francaise Vallauris French Riviera 1950
By Vallauris, Roger Capron
Located in London, England
Vide poche ou cendrier de Roger Capron en céramique blanche Francaise décor floral à l'intérieur en émaux multicolores. De très belle taille il comporte quelques petites marques d'us...
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1950s French Vintage French Provincial Busts

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Ceramic

Vide Poche Roger Capron en céramique Francaise Vallauris French Riviera 1950
Vide Poche Roger Capron en céramique Francaise Vallauris French Riviera 1950

Vide Poche Roger Capron en céramique Francaise Vallauris French Riviera 1950

H 1.97 in W 6.7 in D 4.73 in
Vintage French Plaster Bust of Voltaire
Located in High Point, NC
A renowned literary figure and French icon, this plaster bust captures the likeness of Voltaire. With layers built up and revealed by time, the time touched appearance reflects a jou...
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20th Century French French Provincial Busts

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Plaster

Vintage French Plaster Bust of Voltaire
Vintage French Plaster Bust of Voltaire

Vintage French Plaster Bust of Voltaire

H 28.3 in W 21.5 in D 12 in
Hand Carved French Marble Bust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved French marble bust of a man. An original 18th century marble bust. Amazing details. Add some serious French Style to your home.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Marble

Hand Carved French Marble Bust
Hand Carved French Marble Bust

Hand Carved French Marble Bust

H 21 in W 19 in D 11 in
20th Century French Cast Iron Sculpture
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage cast iron garden sculpture depicting a hobgoblin perched on a tree stump. Made in France in the 20th century, this woodland sprite i...
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20th Century French French Provincial Busts

Materials

Iron

20th Century French Cast Iron Sculpture
20th Century French Cast Iron Sculpture

20th Century French Cast Iron Sculpture

H 24.8 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Reconstituted Stone Bust
Located in Madison, MS
This reconstituted stone bust originates from 20th century France.
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Busts

Materials

Stone

Reconstituted Stone Bust
Reconstituted Stone Bust

Reconstituted Stone Bust

H 15.5 in W 11 in D 7.75 in
Vintage Grinam Niam Paris French Peasant Girl Bust Sculpture
Located in Dayton, OH
Beautiful bust sculpture of a French peasant girl, signed Grinam Niam Paris along the back shoulder.   
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Late 20th Century French Provincial Busts

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Ceramic

Vintage Grinam Niam Paris French Peasant Girl Bust Sculpture
Vintage Grinam Niam Paris French Peasant Girl Bust Sculpture

Vintage Grinam Niam Paris French Peasant Girl Bust Sculpture

H 17.75 in W 7.5 in D 10.5 in
1900s French Plaster Sculpture
Located in High Point, NC
A black plaster sculpture produced in France, circa early 1900s. A proto-modern plaster sculpture mounted on the wall, looking down and away, like Donatello’s David...
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Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Plaster

1900s French Plaster Sculpture
1900s French Plaster Sculpture

1900s French Plaster Sculpture

H 14.6 in W 9.4 in D 5.9 in
Cast Iron Fire Dogs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of cast iron fire dogs was made in France, circa 1900. Sculpted busts of a woman front the solid, horizontal supports. Durable and weathered t...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Fire Dogs, a Pair
Cast Iron Fire Dogs, a Pair

Cast Iron Fire Dogs, a Pair

H 7.9 in W 3.5 in D 13.8 in
1920s French Ceramic Bust of a Young Woman
Located in High Point, NC
This ceramic bust was made in France, circa 1920. The refined sculpture shows a young woman, head tilted slightly upward, with a flower crown and hair in a chignon. Intricate floral ...
Category

1920s French Vintage French Provincial Busts

Materials

Ceramic

1920s French Ceramic Bust of a Young Woman
1920s French Ceramic Bust of a Young Woman

1920s French Ceramic Bust of a Young Woman

H 18.9 in W 18.5 in D 10.6 in
Antique Napoleon Bust French Faience Pottery Alcide Chaumeil CA Bonaparte Figure
By Alcide Chaumeil
Located in Wilton, CT
Large antique French faience pottery bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Alcide Chaumeil, circa late 19th century. Depicting Napoleon in a black hat with gray overcoat over a green uniform with two medals at the breast. The base decorated with a heraldic crest surrounded by the "golden honey bees" often associated with Napoleon. Old label from the Lord and Taylor Antiques...
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Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Pottery

Antique Napoleon Bust French Faience Pottery Alcide Chaumeil CA Bonaparte Figure
Antique Napoleon Bust French Faience Pottery Alcide Chaumeil CA Bonaparte Figure

Antique Napoleon Bust French Faience Pottery Alcide Chaumeil CA Bonaparte Figure

H 16.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
French Garden Statue Bust
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French garden statue bust of an elegant lady. Made of cast composite stone with old mossy patina. Weight: 80 lbs.
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Busts

Materials

Cast Stone

French Garden Statue Bust
French Garden Statue Bust

French Garden Statue Bust

H 22 in W 16 in D 8.5 in
Late 19th Century Louis XIV Style Terracotta Bust
Located in Pomona, CA
Late 19th century Louis XIV style terracotta bust. Attached to a later base.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Late 19th Century Louis XIV Style Terracotta Bust
Late 19th Century Louis XIV Style Terracotta Bust

Late 19th Century Louis XIV Style Terracotta Bust

H 78 in W 33 in D 17 in

French Provincial busts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial busts 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 busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with plaster, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include and Eugène Blot. 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $2,500 while the average work can sell for $1,050.

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