Modern Busts
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
161
100
8
to
127
207
48
269
136
138
269
209
189
177
128
72
60
54
20
18
14
12
11
10
9
7
6
2
98
169
27
13
36
4
2
2
6
8
4
Height
to
Width
to
182
82
58
36
34
223
184
36
26
9
115
43
8
6
5
Style: Modern
Seventies plaster bust young woman
Located in UTRECHT, NL
Beautiful Bust made out of plaster.
Signed by Marianne Knol ‘79.
This is a young woman, with great skills made. Personality is coming through the plaster.
Height 45 cm
Breedte 40 c...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
Diana Of Versailles Pop Art Italian Reproduction In Capodimonte Porcelain
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
This unique and origina...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Gaius Julius Caesar - Caricature Head in Hand-Carved Oak, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Well it does not look much like what we know about the Roman Emperor Gajus Julius Caesar's facial appearance. But given the inscription to its back Julius - 44 (Caesar died in 44 bef...
Category
20th Century Danish Modern Busts
Materials
Oak
Modern Monique Pedestal Sculpture Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Monique Pedestal Stand, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Monique is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. Monique is a unique design in Calacatta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts
Materials
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble
Unique terracota sculpture art brut
By Ethic&Tropic
Located in VALENCIA, ES
Welcome to the very delicate world of Manel Galià.
Manel Galià was born in Barcelona into a family of artists and spent his entire childhood in this artistic atmosphere.
He spent a lot of time in his father's studio, observing and helping his father. He often applied the first touches to blank canvases, and his father continued the work begun by the child.
Moving away from his father's style, Narcis...
Category
2010s Spanish Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Particolare Scultura "Anatomica" in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura su marmo carrara, anatomia umana, scultura anatomica, scultura anatomia, scultura memento, scultura italiana, scultura made in italy
ParticoIare e unica scultura rappresenta...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Modernist Female Head Bust in Marble by P. Costagli, XX Century
Located in New York, NY
Modernism
P. Costagli
Female Head Bust
Marble
Italy, XX Century
ABOUT
This enigmatic marble head bust of African female in an unusual headdress is...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Vintage Contemporary Male Bust Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous contemporary black resin male head and torso bust sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 3.25"W x 2.25"D x 9"H.
Good vintage con...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Busts
Materials
Resin
Pink Flamingo Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, new 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Pink Flamingo in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a pink different shades. The flamingo lives in Italy especially in Sicily. ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Pelican Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Pelican in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color.
Our designer creates these pieces comp...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Angel Botello Sculpture "Denise", circa 1981, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
Angel Botello sculpture "Denise".
Made with bronze.
Very decorative.
Signed and numbered 6/6.
Certificate.
Circa 1970, Spain
Angle Botello was born in 1913 in the small town of...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
1994 Modernist Complete Series of Three Nefertiti Bronze Vases by Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An extremely rare complete series of Nefertiti gilded and green painted bronze vases by Lino Sabattini, a numbered edition of only 50 specimens, co...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Modernist 20th Century Soviet Russian Nude Male Sculpture in Blackened Bronze
Located in New York, NY
This handsome sculpture was realized in Russia in the 20th century. Created in blackened bronze, it features a male nude figure in the process of forging a sword. He is portrayed mid swing as he strikes the sword with a Hammer. His body torqued all of his muscles appear flexed. The male figure- with his chiseled physique- appears as the paradigm of male beauty- a true adonis. This sculpture offers a timeless motif- employed from Greek antiquity...
Category
20th Century Belarusian Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Ira Yeager Sculpture Pierrot Clown Head on Stand
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical French pantomime pierrot head or bust sculpture mounted on a stand by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). One of several Ira created from pain...
Category
20th Century American Modern Busts
Materials
Concrete, Tin
Set/12 Ceramic Chess Pieces, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 12 Ceramic Chess Pieces, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A luxurious chess set designed for the mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts
Materials
Gold
Hermes - Natural Concrete - Design Sculpture Paolo Giordano Classic Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Contemporary Paolo Giordano Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey
Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Concrete, Cement
Hermes - Rose - Design Sculpture Paolo Giordano Concrete Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Contemporary Paolo Giordano Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey
Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Concrete, Cement
Hermes - Dark Grey - Design Sculpture Paolo Giordano Concrete Cement Cast
Located in MILANO, ML
Contemporary Paolo Giordano Hermes abstract sculpture concrete cement cast grey
Hermes is concrete sculpture. It's part of a large work that is also photographic: 'Digital Journey i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Concrete, Cement
Modern Black Flute Pedestal Sculpture Column Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Flute Pedestal Stand, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
Flute is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts
Materials
Brass
Sea Head Water Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Brutalist Style Bronze Sculpture of a Female Torso
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Beautiful large brutalist style bronze sculpture of a female torso, circa 1960s, unsigned.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
In Stock in Los Angeles, Venus De Milo Statue in Red
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products
In Stock in Los Angeles
Venus De Milo statue in red.
Ful...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Modern Busts
Materials
Composition
Sunbathing Lady Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Sea Head Coral Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Resin
Venere V25, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold finish, Size S
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Venere V23, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold finish, Size S
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection
This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
1980s Large Female Head Sculpture by Austin
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A large plaster female bust in the 1980s vibe reminiscent of Studio 54 in satin white on a wooden base, signed to the back neck area Austin Product...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
Italian Studio Murano Glass Female and Male Sculpture by Dino Rosin
By Dino Rosin
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Italian studio Murano glass female and male sculpture by Dino Rosin.
Stamped Studio Rosin Murano Venezia on the back and hand signed Dino Rosin on the front.
Measurements:...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Murano Glass
Marble Bust & Pedestal Middle Eastern Man in Turban
Located in Toledo, OH
Marble bust of a Middle Eastern gentleman with white marble turban sitting on a dark green pedestal with white veining. Some small chips to the backsid...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
21st Century Raw Bronze Contemporary Sculpture, 'Emotion' by Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
This raw bronze sculpture has a natural golden brass finish. The female and male Giacometti-influenced portraits are individual objects and can be positione...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Snorkeling Beach Decorative Centerpiece, Handmade Italy, 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer.
The creations are completely made by hand.
Ceramic and paint are water resistant.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Contemporary Bronze Nude Female Torso Sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Contemporary bronze sculpture by outstanding Russian artist Tatiana Brodatch based in Milan.
This "Venus Torso" from the famous project "Love is a verb", ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Life-Size Raku Ceramic Female Sculpture by Eva Stettner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s life-size Raku-fired ceramic female nude sculpture by American sculptor Eva Stettner.
Constructed of ceramic that is low fired glazed, the stool is...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Chrome
Small Chinese Zodiac Head Busts
Located in Greenwich, CT
These small Chinese Zodiac head busts were handcrafted and designed from the Netherlands and feature sculptural busts of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodi...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
White Lion, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Life-Size Ceramic Female Sculpture by Eva Stettner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular 1980s Raku-fired ceramic female nude sculpture by Eva Stettner. The female sculpture is constructed of sections of ceramic that’s low fired ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Vintage Italian Head in White Glazed Ceramic
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Orig...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sculpture Bagnante Model by Ugo La Pietra for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Great female bust ceramic-molded casting, Bagnante, "Monumento alla balnearita'" collection, designed by Ugo La Pietra and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 29 pieces...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Bust of Young Boy on Mahogany Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
A very appealing naturalistically portrayed bust of a young boy. Terracotta with a plaster finish. Signed on back. Sets on a mahogany wood pedestal.
Dimensions of bust only:
6.75...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster, Mahogany, Terracotta
Alexander Ney, Head, Gilt Terracotta Sculpture, circa 1990
Located in New York, NY
Gilt terracotta sculpture on marble base.
Signed with artist's facsimile, dated '90
Alexander Ney (Russian, born in 1939 in Leningrad, Russia) is an American sculptor and painter...
Category
1990s American Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
PAIR OF BUSTS "LUCIUS VERO" SMALL PLASTER BUST - TANAGRE 21th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF BUSTS "LUCIUS VERO" SMALL PLASTER BUST - TANAGRE 21th Century
Lucius Ceionius Commodus Verus (December 15, 130 - 169), better known simply as Lucius Verus, was co-Emperor wi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
Magnifican Alexander the Great Bust Carrara White Marble, 20th Century H: 90cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Alexander The Great.
Bust of Carrara White Marble.
20th century.
Copy of a Greek original from the Athens Museum
Measures: Height 90 cm
Width 62 cm
Depth 32 cm
Weight 150 kg
Material...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
PAIR OF TERRACOTTA BUSTS OF NERO COPY OF THE CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF TERRACOTTA BUSTS OF NERO COPY OF THE CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS 20th Century
Nero (Anzio 37 - Rome 68 AD) Roman Emperor (54-68 AD).
Last member of the gens Julio-Claudia.
Terracotta...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
PAIR OF BUST CICERONE, MARCO TULLIO TOSCANA TERRACOTTA late 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF BUST CICERONE, MARCO TULLIO TERRACOTTA late 20th Century
(Arpino 106 BC - Formia 43 BC
Latin orator, politician and writer.
Patinated terracotta, copy of a bust from the Ca...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
PAIR OF JULIUS CAESAR STATUES - TERRACOTTA - COPY OF ROMAN STATUE end 20th Cent
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF JULIUS CAESAR STATUES - TUSCAN TERRACOTTA - COPY OF ROMAN STATUE end 20th Century
Terracotta bust of Julius Caesar 50-30 BC
This bust is taken from the original cast of t...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Julius Caesar Copy of a Roman Statue of the Vatican Museums Early 20th
Located in Madrid, ES
Julius Caesar - Terracotta - copy of a Roman statue of the Vatican Museums
Early 20th century
Terracotta bust of Julius Caesar 50-30 BC
This bust is taken from the original cast of a...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Frieze, Coffee Table, Functional Art Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
From extremely detailed 3D scans of the most important classical sculptures of all times, Eduard Locota has digitally sliced and extracted the essential portion of the artwork, then ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Acrylic, Fiberglass
PAIR OF COPY OF TERRACOTTA HEADS - ISIS FROM THE GREEK-ROMAN WORLD 20th century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF COPY OF TERRACOTTA HEADS - ISIS FROM THE GREEK-ROMAN WORLD 20th century
Patinated terracotta from our company. production, cast of a Roman head from the second century BC. o...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Antinous 'Bitnia 130, Alexandria of Egypt 150 Ad' Sculpture20th
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Antinoo sculpture with marble base.
Terracotta head with marble base.
Italy
Antinous (Bitnia 130 - Alexandria of Egypt 150 AD).
Publio's favorite Elio Adriano.
Mesaures: he...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
PAIR OF ULYSSES HEADS IN TERRACOTTA - ODYSSEY FROM THE POLYPHEMUS GROUP 20th
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ULYSSES HEADS IN TERRACOTTA - ODYSSEY FROM THE POLYPHEMUS GROUP 20th century
Terracotta head, handmade in Tuscany.
The head is part of the sculptural group found in 1957 in ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
PAIR OF SMALL TERRACOTTA APOLLO HEADS 20th century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF SMALL TERRACOTTA APOLLO HEADS 20th century
HEIGHT 17 cm
WIDTH 11 cm
DEPTH 13 cm
WEIGHT 1.5 kg
ROUND BASE DIAMETER Ø 9 cm
MANUFACTURING Tuscany
MATERIAL Terracotta
Marble base
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Herma of the Farnese Hercules 1:1 in White Carrara Marble, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
HERMA OF THE FARNESE HERCULES 1:1 IN WHITE CARRARA MARBLE
20th century
Life size 1:1 of the huge head of the Farnese Hercules of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples - Ital...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Set of 6 Wooden Chess Pieces, Linden Wood, Handmade Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of 6 Ceramic Chess Pieces, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
A luxurious chess set designed for the most sophisticated and ambitious...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
Italian 20th Century Composite Marble Bust of Clytie
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian 20th Century Composite Marble Bust of Clytie
H. 32.5cm
perfect conditions
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Chéri-Bibi
By Max Ernst
Located in Paris, FR
Edition in bronze with green patina, founder's stamp A. Valsuani (Paris)
Signed and numbered
Chéri-Bibi, the central character in a fascinating work by Gaston Leroux, is a captivat...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
This Is Not Self Portrait Sculpture by Thomas Dariel
Located in Geneve, CH
This is not a self portrait sculpture by Thomas Dariel
Dimensions: D 24 x W 26.5 x H 63 cm
Materials: Solid plaster sculpture wrapped in elastic band color paint finish, accent ri...
Category
2010s French Modern Busts
Materials
Plastic, Plaster
Terracotta Head of the Dying Warrior of the Frontons of Egina 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Terracotta head of the dying warrior of the frontons of Egina 20th century
Italy
Measures: Height 23 cm
Width 25 cm
Length 33 cm
Weight 5 kg
Historical period between 500 and 480 BC
...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Modern busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern busts 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 busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern busts 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 busts, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Europa Antiques, Pascale Girardin, and VG-VGnewtrend. 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 $175 and tops out at $134,774 while the average work can sell for $2,774.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Bust Gentleman
Caesar Marble
Empire Thrones
Terracotta Bust On Marble
Bronze Male Bust
Cherub Bust
Egypt Bust
Napoleon Bonaparte Portrait
Marble Bust Girl
Marble Bust Of Girl
Roman Bust Ad
Marble Greek Roman Bust
Female Bust Metal
Hermes Mythologies
Homer Bronze Bust
Large Plaster Bust
Compressed Marble Bust
Terracotta Bust Woman