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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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.

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Style: Modern
Brown Lion Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
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 brown color. Our designer creates these pieces complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

ISIDE I11, Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, 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 combine history and design. The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength. The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture. The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

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

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

Sculpture of the Head of Artemis in Patinated Plaster.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of the head of Artemis in patinated plaster. Daughter of Zeus, Artemis is the sister of Apollo, goddess of hunting and the moon. This statue comes from a cast made by an a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Sculpture of the Head of Hercules, Small Size, in Resin and Metal Base.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of the head of Hercules, small size, in resin and metal base. Heracles is the son of Zeus and Alcmene. Greek mythology lends him a great many adventures that saw him trave...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts

Materials

Metal

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

Skiing Man, Design 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

Gift Santa Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a funny revisiting of Santa Claus bringing his famous Christmas gifts. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.     
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Futurist Horses, 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

Modern Apolo Bust Sculpture Piece Calacatta Marble, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Apolo Bust, Calacatta Bianco Marble, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Apolo bust is a captivating sculptural piece meticulously crafted from Cal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Modern Monique Pedestal Sculpture Calacatta Marble Handmade Portugal Greenapple
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

Magnificent Statues " The 4 Seasons " Terracotta Impruneta late 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Magnificent Statues " The 4 Seasons " Terracotta Impruneta late 20th Century Height (Cm) 140 Base Dimensions (Cm) Ø43 Weight (Kg) 70 good condition Shades and differences in colors...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Terracotta

French Modern Marble Portrait Bust of a Lady, by L. Cordonnier, 1951
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern marble portrait bust of a lady, by L. Cordonnier, '51 A serene carved marble portrait bust of a young lady with braided hair looking downwards. Signed L. Cordonnier,...
Category

20th Century French Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Bust of a Smiling Young Woman, Signed Tiruk
Located in Montreal, QC
This bust sensitively captures the beauty and innocence of youth. Her thick hair is worn in a single braid; her head is thrown back as she laughs. The sculptor, who signs indistinctl...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

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

Sculpture of a Female Bust in Patinated Bronze, Contemporary Art, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a female bust in patinated bronze, contemporary art, 21st century. Sculpture of a female bust in patinated bronze, contemporary art, 21st century. h : 37cm, w : 26cm, d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

W. Beaupre Gold Chain Android Bust
Located in New York, NY
Stunning futuristic android bust by W. Beaupre. Bust is embellished with intricate gold chain, pearls and vintage jewelry findings. The atte...
Category

20th Century American Modern Busts

Materials

Other

Modern Spanish White Plaster Female Bust-Sculpture by Lucita Latorre, 1991
Located in Salzburg, AT
Modern plaster female bust / sculpture white colored patinated in grey and brown signed Lucita Latorre 1991. The bust reveals a pure and stright lined d...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Italian Marble Carrara Sculpture "Horse Head" Began 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Horse head sculpture on white Carrara marble of a horse in classic style placed on a turned base in Carrara marble. End 19th century. Dimension: including base: H 40 x 30 x 13 cm. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Sculpture, Marble Bust of Lucius in the Taste of Antique Rome.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, sculpted marble bust of Lucius in the taste of Antique Rome, 20th century. Bust, carved marble sculpture of Lucius in the taste of ancient Rome, 20th century. H: 58cm, W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Pair of Italian Marble Carrara Sculpture "Horse Head" 20th Century H: 40cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Horse head sculpture on white Carrara marble horse in classic style placed on a turned base in Carrara marble. 20th century. Dimension: including base: H 40 x 30 x 13 cm. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Early 20th Century Patinated Bronze Figurative Bust with Marble Base, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Modern patinated bronze figurative bust with marble base, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, metal, stone, marble Technique: cast, molded, metalwork, pa...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Busts

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper

The Keisha Bust
Located in Napanoch, NY
Inspired by the tradition of artists such as Edmonia Lewis, Elizabeth Catlett, and Augusta Savage, The Keisha Bust by Haitian-American artist Jessica Jean-Baptiste is a celebration o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

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

JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON'S "SCORTICATO" IN PLASTER early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
JEAN-ANTOINE HOUDON'S "SCORTICATO" IN PLASTER early 20th Century 1: 1 reproduction in plaster of the head of the Flayed by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (Paris, 1741-1828). He studied in Rome, at the French Academy...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

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

Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century H: 180cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century Marble 180 cm x 65cm good original condition
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Vintage African Carved Bust's or Bookends Girl & Boy in Ebony, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of vintage African Busts; boy and girl, possibly Nigerian/Lagos. Hand-carved from Ebony wood. Very decorative with a strong 'dark' and stylish presence. Due to their weight the...
Category

1970s African Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Ebony

The Jamal Bust
Located in Napanoch, NY
Inspired by the tradition of artists such as Edmonia Lewis, Elizabeth Catlett, and Augusta Savage, The Jamal Bust by Haitian-American artist Jessica Jean-Baptiste is a celebration of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Austin 1980s Large Female Head Sculpture
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

Abraham Chikumbirike Ironwood Carving of Female Bust
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite bust by African artist Abraham Chikumbirike is carved from dense ironwood. The finely detailed likeness of a dignified woman is especially impressive due to the diffic...
Category

1980s African Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Wood

CLOVIS EDMOND MASSON (1838-1913) "Lion and Lioness" 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
CLOVIS EDMOND MASSON (1838-1913) "Lion and Lioness". Bronze sculptural group. Signed. Dim.: 32 x 84 x 22 cm very good condition
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Marble Bust of Julius Caesar, Patinated Marble, Contemporary Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bust of Julius Caesar, patinated marble, contemporary work. Bust of Julius Caesar in patinated marble, reproduction of a bust of Julius Caesar by Andrea di Pietro di Marco Fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century H: 44cm x 20cm Plato (Athens, 428/427 BC – Athens, 348/347 BC) A terracotta copy of the famous artifact prese...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Bust of Octavian Augustus in Breccia Pernice and white Carrara end 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bust of Octavian Augustus in Breccia Pernice and white Carrara Marble placed on a turned base in white Carrara marble height 73 cm base included, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Giraffe with Butterfly, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Giraffe in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a cream colour. Our designer creates these pieces comp...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Roberto Estevez Tall Polished Solid Brass Kudu Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Estevez 1980's tall polished solid brass kudu sculpture with circular pedestal base.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Busts

Materials

Brass

White Glazed Ceramic Sculpture by the Famous Belgian Sculptor Albert Poels
By Albert Poels
Located in Tilburg, NL
White glazed ceramic sculpture by the famous Belgian sculptor from Antwerp, Albert Poels 1903-1984. Titled in dutch 'Heropbeuring’, which refers to...
Category

1930s Belgian Vintage 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. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic

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

Felipe Castañeda
By Felipe Castañeda
Located in New York, NY
Felipe Castañeda Felicidad (1984) Marble sculpture Measure: H 18 inches Signed F Castanee 1984.
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Marble Female Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial female nude torso white marble sculpture with dark veining, circa 20th century. Sculpture is predominately white marble with traces of dark veining as sho...
Category

20th Century European Modern Busts

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Elegant Head Ceramic Centerpiece Completely Handmade in Italy without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
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...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Nefertiti Porcelain Bust by Rosenthal Germany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and beautifully sculpted head of the most beautiful woman on the Nile, Nefertiti. The pieces is made entirely of porcelain. the face and neck are matte finish and white, ...
Category

20th Century German Modern Busts

Materials

Porcelain

Cigar and Earrings Monkey, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a monkey in a modern way. The animal is smoking a cigar and wears golden earrings. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Las Vegas Dice Bull, 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

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

Neptune God of the Sea 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

Venere V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase Without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, 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

Goat Ceramic Centerpiece, Gold details Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a goat in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a may different colors. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they are...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Tucan Ceramic Centerpiece, Gold details Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a goat in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a may different colors. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they are...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

ISIDE I12, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021 Centerpiece Size M Vase
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 combine history and design. The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength. The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture. The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

Sunbathing Seal 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

2 Horses, Silver Ceramic Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently painted.. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they are done without any mold. Ha...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic

Ham Lover Lady with Pig 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

Tall Abstract Origami Art Metal Sculpture Figure in a Hand Blackened Finish
Located in Seattle, WA
The tall and sleek origami Metal Sculpture is an abstraction of human proportions. The metal folding sculptural figure builds on the contradiction between its strong metal material a...
Category

2010s American Modern Busts

Materials

Steel

Curlers Sunbath Lady and two cactus head, Handmade Italy 2024, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This set is unique and handmade from our artists. They create each time different pieces just by working them by hand. Wonderful colours can be chosen as they can work with every pos...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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.

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