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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
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Style: Modern
Venere V25, Man'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
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
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Marble
70cm x 50cm
good original condition
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Owls in Love, 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
Beach Lover Lobster 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
Pure Wool Lady & Sheep, 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 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
Venere V15, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, 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
ISIDE I12, Man's 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 comb...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
Charming Prince & Frog, 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
Barrel Sommelier 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
Big Chef, Kitchen 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
Woman's Head Blue 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
Scuba Diver Sharks, 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
Musician Drums Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece represents a musician playing his trumpet.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Ibex Animal Ceramic and Gold Leaf Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Ital, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an ibex in a modern way. The animal is browsing leaves (gold leaf).
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
Plaster mannequin by Christian Dior.
Located in Lugo, IT
Plaster mannequin by Christian Dior.
Good condition.
Thank you
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Gesso
Florence Fiore - Rudolph Gruen Plaster Bust, c.1930s
Located in Savannah, GA
Florence Fiore
(American, 1905-1999)
A from-life plaster bust of American composer Rudolph Gruen, circa 1930s.
10 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 20 inches tall
Florence Reeve Fiore was a portrait artist and sculptor who was active on the east coast in New York, Washington and Jekyll Island...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
Sculpture in Italian Roman Travertine
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture was made from a single block of Roman Travertine.
Dimensions of the sculpture: cm 93 x 52 x 40 cm.
Size of the sculpture with shaft an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Travertine, Marble
Sandstone Sculpture of the Emperor Augustus in the Style of Ancient Rome.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sandstone sculpture of the Emperor Augustus in the style of Ancient Rome, 20th century.
A sandstone bust of the Emperor Augustus in the style of Ancient Rome, 20th century.
H: 26cm,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts
Materials
Sandstone
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
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century H: 200cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Marble
200cm x 65cm
good original condition
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Sculpture of a Tilted Face in Patinated Bronze, Contemporary Art, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a tilted face in patinated bronze, Contemporary art, 21st century.
Sculpture of a tilted face in patinated bronze, contemporary art, 21st century.
h: 42cm, w: 40cm, d: ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Ms. Bubble by Daniel Meyer Wood and Acrylic Woman Sculpture
By Daniel Meyer
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
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Marble
70cm x 50cm
good original condition
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
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
Mid Century Glass Sculptural Bust "Adonis" by Dino Rosin Murano
By Dino Rosin
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous glass sculpture of Adonis in bust form on a black glass plinth by Dino Rosin. Murano, Venice Italy. Signed in numerous places. In excellent condition.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Art Glass, Hardwood, Paint
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
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century H: 200cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Marble
200cm x 65cm
good original condition
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Marble
Contemporary Bust of a Man made out of carved and painted Pine, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted in 2023, the Contemporary Bust of a Man breathes life into the age-old tradition of sculptural expression. Hewn from pine, its form emerges from the raw essence of nature, ca...
Category
2010s German Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster, Pine, Paint
Beautiful Italian Terracotta Sculpture 19th Century "The Girl with the Flowers"
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful Italian Terracotta Sculpture 19th Century
" The Girl with the Flowers "
Terracotta
175cm x 65cm
with base: 200cm
good original condition
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Modern Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Ephraim Doner Plaster Bust by Florence Fiore
Located in Savannah, GA
Florence Fiore
(American, 1905-1999)
A plaster bust of Ephraim Doner by Florence Fiore, circa 1930s.
Ephraim Doner was a prominent figure and artist of the Big Sur and Carmel milieu in the mid 20th century. He was a friend to Henry Miller who mentions him extensively in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch.
10 inches wide by 9 ½ inches deep by 18 inches tall
Florence Reeve Fiore was a portrait artist and sculptor who was active on the east coast in New York, Washington and Jekyll Island...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
White and Pois Horse, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
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...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Pop Art Bust in Concrete and Paint, Felix Bachmann 2024
Located in Berlin, DE
Experience the vibrant energy of contemporary pop art bust by Felix Bachmann, created in 2024. Crafted from concrete and adorned with bold paint strokes, it embodies the fusion of mo...
Category
2010s German Modern Busts
Materials
Concrete
Earthenware Sculpture by Lennart Olausson
By Lennart Olausson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Soulful earthenware sculpture of a face by Lennart Olausson. Glazed turquoise with a slight shimmer.
Lennart Olausson (born 1944) is a Swedish a...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Modern Busts
Materials
Earthenware
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
Contemporary Bronze Sculpture, 'Timeless Seer' by Tori Hermes
By Tori Hermes
Located in Oakland, CA
Timeless Seer captures the essence of the Ibis, revered for its wisdom and enigmatic presence. With an elegantly elongated beak and serene expression, this bronze sculpture stands as...
Category
2010s American Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Silver Metallic Android Bust by W. Beaupre
Located in New York, NY
Futuristic silver metallic android bust by W. Beaupre composed of vintage jewelry findings.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Busts
Materials
Metal
Richard Russell Jr. Bust by Rosario Russell Fiore, 1975
Located in Savannah, GA
Rosario Russell Fiore
(American, 1908-1994)
A large plaster bust of Georgia Governor and United States Senator Richard Russell Jr., 1975.
The bronze is in the Capitol Museum Collect...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
Goat Bullet Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Sheep in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
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
Contemporary Bronze Sculpture, 'Timeless Seer' by Tori Hermes
By Tori Hermes
Located in Oakland, CA
Timeless Seer captures the essence of the Ibis, revered for its wisdom and enigmatic presence. With an elegantly elongated beak and serene expression, this bronze sculpture stands as...
Category
2010s American Modern Busts
Materials
Bronze
Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century
stone
70cm x 50cm
good original condition
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Stone
Venere V26, Man's Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, 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 V26, Woman's Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, 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 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 V15, Woman's Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, 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 co...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Enamel
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
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
Donkey with Angel, 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
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
Rapper with Dog, 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
Skater Boy, 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
Unicorn with Carrot, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an unicorn in a modern way. The animal has got a carrot as a horn.
Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
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.