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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Elegant Sea Head Ceramic Centerpiece 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 complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Couple of Decorative Centerpieces Sculptures, Handmade Italy, 2020, Handcrafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The pieces are a unique representation created by our designer. The two heads represents a man and a woman with naturalistic character, in a satirical way. The creations are complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Tightrope Antelope Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Antelope in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces com...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Naturalistic Ceramic Centerpiece Flowers Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
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. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Adam and Eve Contemporary Pop Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
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....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Elegant Marine Head Ceramic Centerpiece 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 complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

4 RECONSTITUTED STONE GARDEN STATUES WITH BASE THE FOUR SEASONS early 20th Cent.
Located in Madrid, ES
4 RECONSTITUTED STONE GARDEN STATUES WITH BASE THE FOUR SEASONS early 20th Century Made of reconstituted limestone HEIGHT 165 cm WEIGHT 55 Kg HEIGHT OF THE BASE 75 cm STATUE BASE...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Stone, Cement

Pair of Eteromorphic Terracotta Ammonite Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of eteromorphic terracotta ammonite sculpture early 20th century. Reproduction of a rare specimen of heteromorphic Ammonite Made in Terracotta ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Terracotta

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

Richard Walter Bock Bronze Bust of Theodor Menges Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Countryside, IL
Richard Walter Bock Bronze Bust of Theodor Menges Sculpture on Marble Base This sculpture measures: 20.75 wide x 13 deep x 26 inches high This bust is in Good Vintage Condition with...
Category

2010s American Modern Busts

Materials

Marble, 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

Female Torso Sculpture by Brajak Vitberg
Located in Geneve, CH
Female Torso sculpture by Brajak Vitberg 10 Pieces Dimensions: Ø 35 x H 65 cm Materials: white or black cotton lampshade, cotton wiring Bijelic and Brajak are two architects fr...
Category

2010s European Modern Busts

Materials

Clay

Plinius, Copy of a Roman Statue, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PLINIUS - copy of a Roman statue early 20th century. Pliny, the first true Naturalist, the author of the "Naturalis Historia" written in the year 77 AD. HEIGHT 56 cm WIDTH 30 cm ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Cement

Italian Sculpture "Menelao Head" in Plaster Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian sculpture "Menelao Head" in plaster early 20th Century This is the copy of the head of Menelaus, from a sculptural group of Greek origin, Patroclus and Menelaus. The or...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

THE DYING WARRIOR PLASTER COPY OF THE ORIGINAL OF THE ATHENA AFAIA early 20th Ce
Located in Madrid, ES
THE DYING WARRIOR PLASTER COPY OF THE ORIGINAL OF THE ATHENA AFAIA TEMPLE OF EGINA early 20th Century 1: 1 museum copy of the head of the famous "dying warrior" from the temple of A...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Ms. Bubble by Daniel Meyer Wood and Acrylic Woman Sculpture
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a contemporary sculpture by American artist Daniel Meyer (1945), circa the 1990s-2000s. A Chicago native, Dan received experience at the renowned School ...
Category

1990s Modern Busts

Materials

Acrylic, Hardwood, Lacquer

Vintage Modern Sculpture Mother & Child by Willow Woosav for Austin Productions
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage modern sculpture of mother and child comprised of durastone and signed by Willow Woosav for Austin Productions. Beautiful condi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Busts

Materials

Composition

Golden Teeth Crocodile, 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

Frieze, Side Table, Contemporary 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

Hand-Painted Ceramic Silver Glazed Glass Woman Long Face Mask
Located in Pasadena, CA
This hand-painted mask features a female long face. Gold accents that highlight lips and eyes suggest Japanese culture. It is resting on a clear Luci...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Lucite

Frieze, Cloth Hanger, Gaddi Torso, Contemporary 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

Kissing Chimpanzee, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Chimpanzee 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

Macaque Handcrafted, 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

Bronze and Resin Bust of a Man, Signed by Cilenti, 1985
Located in Florence, IT
Bronze and Resin Bust of a man, Signed by Cilenti, 1985. Part of the the abdomen and pectoral muscles are in bronze, the remaining parts are in dark brown, green, black, and silver ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Medusa, White Matt Terracotta Sculpture, Handmade in Italy, 2022, Unique Piece
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
In Greek mythology, Medusa, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. Medusa was beheaded by the Greek hero...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Terracotta

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

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

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

Bronze Bust of a Greyhound
Located in New York, NY
Bronze bust of a greyhound dog, unsigned. Measures: 9" H x 4" W.
Category

20th Century Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Venere V11, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Black/White
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

Amedeo Clemente Modigliani '1884–1920' d´après, Large Bronze Sculpture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (1884–1920) d´après. "Tête de jeune femme". Large bronze sculpture in solid bronze on a green marble base. Bronze fo...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

In stock in Los Angeles, Gold / White Vase, by Stefania Boemi, Made in Italy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2) In Stock in Los Angeles A poetic ode to traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibility...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

Woman's Head 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

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

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

Venere V23, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold Finish, Size L
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

Woman's Head Sponge 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

Black Orangutan, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an orangutan in a modern way. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.      
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

Man's Head Yellow 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

Venere V15, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, 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

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

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

Man's Head Sponge Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man's head in a modern way. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

ISIDE I12.Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size L
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 comb...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

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

Venere V26, Man'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

Venere V25, Man's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold Finish, Size L
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

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

ISIDE I11, Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size M
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

W. Beaupre Chain Mail Bust
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic android bust with hand applied chain mail and vintage jewelry findings and tiara from New York artist W. Beaupre. Signed.
Category

20th Century American Modern Busts

Materials

Metal

Pinocchio Design 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

Hippo with Birds, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an hippo in a modern way. The animal has got a birds all over his body. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

Venere V23, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Gold Finish, Size M
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

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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