Neoclassical Busts
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Neoclassical
19th Century Carved Marble Bust of a Nymph by Robert Physick
Located in London, GB
A Carved Marble Bust of a Nymph
By Robert Physick (1815-1882)
Carved from Carrara marble, the female bust signed and dated to the base "Robt Physick. Sculp : 1875."
English, cir...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
A most impressive bronze bust of a 1920s South American gentleman.
Located in Central England, GB
This most unusual almost life sized heavily cast bronze bust depicts a very smart most likely South American gentleman dressed in a double breasted suit jacket with a shirt and tie. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Antique Marble Bust of Venus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique over life-size bust of Venus. Thanks to her scale, this Neoclassical style handcarved marble sculpture of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, is very striking. Charac...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Classical Style Two Tone Marble Bust
Located in Southall, GB
A striking green and white marble male bust. Detailed and skilfully carved with additional decoration on the breastplate showing a lions head. The males profile is presented with ruf...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Neoclassical Style Male Marble Bust On Marble Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A wonderful hand-carved marble male Neoclassical style bust on a decorative marble plinth. Clear features and carving to the drapery, hair and beard. The texture of the hair contrast...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Two Coloured Marble Classical Style Male Bust
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative bust in two marble colours in the classical style. Skilfully carved with clean features, from the ruffled and curled hair to the drapery of the cloth garments. Th...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Decorative Red And White Two Tone Marble Bust In The classical Style
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative two coloured red and white marble Classical style bust on a black stand. Skilfully carved with clear features, curled hair and beard. The drapery of the garments hangs...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Classical Style Two Coloured Marble Male Bust On Stand
Located in Southall, GB
Handsomely and skilfully carved, two coloured marble male bust on black marble stand, in the classical style.
The features are clear, with detailing showing the curled hair and beard...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Classical Style Marble Bust With Unusual Helmet In The Style Of A Wildcat
Located in Southall, GB
A handsome Classical style bust in white marble. Skilfully carved with clear features and a unusually decorative helmet depicting a wild cat suggestive of a puma. The teeth are beaut...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Classical Style Two Tone White And Beige Marble Bust
Located in Southall, GB
A impressive beige and white marble male bust. A grand and imposing figure with detailed carving to the face, hair, garments and breastplate. A hand carved wreath suggests someone of...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Two Tone Classical Style Marble Bust on White Marble Base
Located in Southall, GB
A attractive two coloured marble Classical style bust on a black marble stand. The carving is well done with clear features, depicting gently cascading curling hair and trimmed beard...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Classical Style Two Coloured Marble Bust In Beige And White
Located in Southall, GB
A decorative two coloured marble bust. Cleanly carved with delicate features, from the curling hair to the smooth draping of the cloth garments. Wearing a laurel wreath. An intricate...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Multi Coloured Marble Bust In The classical Style
Located in Southall, GB
A very attractive multi coloured marble male bust on a black stand. The carving is crisp and precise with lots of detail to the hair, features and beard. The incorporation of differe...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Handsome Two Colour Marble Male Bust On Black Marble Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A handsome green and white marble male bust, on a black marble stand. A intricately detailed and imposing male marble bust with elaborate carvings to ...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Neoclassical Style Male Marble Torso
Located in Southall, GB
Handsomely hand carved marble male torso in white marble. The body is contoured and defined twisted into a classically inspired pose that emphasises ...
Category
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Neoclassical Style Male Marble Torso
Located in Southall, GB
A carefully hand-carved male marble torso, with defined muscles. Beautifully realised, this piece would look great as part of a collection, or on its own.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Two 1950s Neoclassical Plaster Italian Scultures of Apollo and Venere dei Medici
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Two plaster bust of Apollo and Venere dei Medici from a Gipsoteca in a sicilian academy of fine arts. They used to patinate the plasters in different ways, this one has been made wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Neoclassical sculpture of Mother Mary's head, made from plaster and straw
Located in Oostende, BE
Buste depicting Mother Mary. Made from straw and plaster. Great patina and delicate expression.
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Straw, Plaster
1930s Terracotta Sicilian Bust of Seneca the Philosopher
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This sculpture reflects the artistic influences of neoclassical style, with a blend of traditional Sicilian craftsmanship. The terracotta medium allows for intricate detailing and a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Marble Statue of the Sleeping Ariadne
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This late Georgian antique marble statue is after the antique, depicting a scale fragment of the eminent 2nd century statue ‘Sleeping Ariadne’. C...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Marble Bust of La Zingara, circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Bust of the Zingara or Fortune Teller, finely carved out of marble. The Zingara is depicted with a cloth tied around her chin, which wraps around her elaborately braided hair and end...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
1900s Neoclassical Red Brick Patina Metal Italian Bust of a Woman
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A red patina metal bust of a woman manufatured in Italy in early 19th century, good conditions overall, metal it has this brick red patina probably due to exposure to the natural ele...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Metal
Terracotta Portrait Bust of Caracalla Roman Emperor
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A terracotta portrait bust of Caracalla, Roman Emperor from 198 to 217 AD. The Emperor is depicted in expressive detail and wears a swathed toga which is glazed in white for a striking colour contrast. Similar portrait busts, showing Caracalla with cropped hair, stubble beard and a menacing glare, are found on display in museums across the globe including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and The St. Louis Art...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Antique White Marble Sculpture of Madame Recamier
By Joseph Chinard
Located in Stockholm, SE
A fine antique white marble sculpture of madame Recamier after the famous sculpture by Joseph Chinard (1756-1813).
Chinard was a Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
A 19th Century Classical Statuary Marble Bust Of A Female
By William Behnes
Located in London, GB
A Classical bust of female form with naked shoulders, draped robe exposing one breast, her hair tied back. Mounted on Socle pedestal
By William Behne...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Statuary Marble
Tenerani Statuary Marble Bust of a Young Augustus Caesar
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A finely carved statuary white marble bust of a young Augustus Caesar attributed to the workshops of 19th century Italian sculptor Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869). Also known as Young Octavian, this bust of a young Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar is after a sculpture found in the Pio Clementino Museums of the Vatican.
Carved with exceptional detail, the bust is elevated on a turned socle and bears the name ‘TENERANI’ to the front. Other busts like this one after the Vatican original of the former Emperor Augustus were sculpted in the Mid-18th Century.
Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869) was a notable Italian sculptor of the early 19th century. In his early career, he trained under Italian sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, before moving to Rome where he won a scholarship as a pupil of Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvalsden. Having honed his skills, Tenerani worked from a studio of his own in later years. William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, Queen Victoria and Pope Pius IX...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
19 Th Century Italian Bronze Flora Bust, Marble, Neoclassical
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exceptional bust of a woman, probably made in 19th century Italy, in patinated bronze, and following a neoclassical style. The head of "Flora" appears resting on a quadrangular base ...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Homer Antique Plaster Bust
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This Greek bust depicts the legendary poet and author Homer who is presumed to have penned the two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scholars are uncertain whether or not Homer actually existed but if he in fact did exist, Homer would be regarded as one of the greatest literary artists of his time. This is an iconic statue for an interior and looks particularly impactful when placed on a column or plinth. Please note the blue plinth...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
19th Century Terracotta Bust of a Young Girl Signed by Andrea Flaibani
Located in Prato, IT
Andrea Flaibani Friulian sculptor (Udine, Italy 1846 - Udine, Italy 1897)
Terracotta
Measures: Height 38 cm
Width cm 23
Base diameter cm 15
Weight kg approx. 5.5.
As a young...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Bronze Bust Jacob Van Campen, 1595 - 1675, Sculptor Jacques Elion 1842-1893
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful bronze bust depicting Jacob van Campen unique piece one off the most in-portent
architects from Holland 1595 - 1675. Paleis op de Dam, Mauritshuis Nieuwe Kerk Haarlem stand...
Category
1870s Dutch Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Terracotta Bust of a Young Girl Signed J. Valette and Dated 1866
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique sculpture by the French artist Jean Valette. The statue depicts a young girl, with a beautiful modest look and a Christian cross on a chain around her neck. The sta...
Category
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Limoges France, Biscuit Child Bust, Stand with Dark Blue Glaze, Classic Style
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Limoges France. Biscuit child bust. Stand with dark blue glaze.
Classic style. Early 20th century.
Measures: 13.5 x 7 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stam...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Ormolu Bust of a 16th Century Prince, by Rancoulet
By Rancoulet
Located in London, GB
An Ormolu bust of a 16th century Prince, by Rancoulet
French, Late 19th Century
Height 72cm, width 42cm, depth 22cm
Made by the skilled and renowned French artist and sculptor E...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Neoclassical Marble Portrait Bust of a Lady by L.A. Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Neoclassical Portrait Bust
By Lewis Alexander Goblet (1764-c.1823)
Possibly exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1821
Carved from Carrara marble, the bust supported on a waiste...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Pair of Grand Tour Marble and Brass Tazzas, c.1850-1860
Located in London, GB
19th century pair of grand tour marble and bronze tazza, of neo-classical design.
Set upon a grand Sienna with marble base, with finely chased lappet cast mounts over a stepped ba...
Category
1850s Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Siena Marble, Bronze
Brongniart Children after Houdon by Tharaud Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of Limoges porcelain bisque busts featuring Brongniart children derives from a masterpiece of children's portraiture by Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828): the busts of Louise (1772-1845) and her brother Alexandre (1770-1847), children of the famous architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart. Crafted of terracotta, Houdon's busts were presented at the Salon of 1777. Very popular, the two busts were reproduced in bisque, terracotta, marble and bronze. They were acquired at the end of the 19th century by the Louvre Museum.
Our Limoges busts...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Carved Marble Bust in the Neoclassical Taste
Located in London, GB
A male portrait bust in the Roman manner by Lawrence MacDonald (1799-1878) Carved in Carrara marble, rising from a round socle supporting a waisted column, the bust having resemblances to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington as a young man. Signed by the artist, 'L. MacDonald, Romae, 1847'. Dated 1847 Dimensions: H: 26 in / 65 cm W: 19.5 in / 49 cm D: 10 in / 26 cm Lawrence MacDonald (1799-1878) Macdonald worked as an ornamental sculptor for the architect James Gillespie Graham before entering the Trustees' Academy, Edinburgh, in 1822. In Rome, in 1823 he was one of the founders of the British Academy of Art. He returned to Edinburgh in 1826 and became a member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1829. Four years later he settled in Rome, and from 1844 he worked in Bertel Thorvaldsen's former studio. He became the city's most fashionable portrait sculptor and, according to the Art Journal, his studio was filled with 'the peerage done into marble, a plaster galaxy of rank and fashion'. His sitters included the essayist Henry Taylor...
Category
1840s British Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
19th Century Neoclassical Marble Thorwaldsen Bust
Located in Berlin, DE
Great Thorwaldsen bust.
Marble figure of the sculptor Thorwaldsen
Extremely expressive characterization, which, in an extraordinary detail, also reflects the facial expressions of hi...
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Stone, Marble
Mid-20th Century Terracotta Sculpture of a Lady
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An mid-20th century bust of a woman on a wooden base. Signed with on brass sign "M.Rossie".
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Neoclassical Marble Sculpture Bust After Joseph Chinard
By Joseph Chinard
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical marble sculpture bust after Joseph Chinard
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 65cm, width 34cm, depth 55cm
Portraying Madame R...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
18th Century French Marble Sculpture Bust of Dancer Marie-Madeleine Guimard
Located in Madrid, ES
This expressive 18th century marble portrait bust is of Marie-Madeleine Guimard (1743-1816), a successful dancer and one of the most famous courtesans of pre-Revolutionary France. The bust is unsigned, but identical to one in the collection of London's V&A museum carved...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Neoclassical Style Marble Female Bust after Joseph Chinard
By Joseph Chinard
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style marble female bust after Joseph Chinard
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 63cm, width 33cm, depth 20cm
Portraying Madam...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus
Located in Esbeek, NL
Late 17th century wooden bust of the Greek poet Homerus.
Damage on the right side of the bust, see picture.
Category
17th Century European Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Wood
Gilt Bronze and White Marble Bust of a Woman by Gory
Located in London, GB
This charming sculpture of a young woman is the work of the accomplished Italian-born sculptor, Affortunato Gory (1895-1925). Gory is best-known for his sculptures of women and child...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Neoclassical Plaster Portrait Bust, Signed A. Frederich, Dated 1843
Located in Greding, DE
Large portrait bust of a middle-aged man in antique garb. The plaster bust is signed A. Frederich and dated 1843 on the underside and stands on an ebonised wooden column base. The bu...
Category
1840s German Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Dragoljub Milosevic Jacqueline, 1998 Proof In Patinated Plaster
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Dragoljub Milosevic (1939-2019) Jacqueline, 1998 Proof In Patinated Plaster, Signed, Dated.
Category
Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
French Gilt Bronze and Marble Bust Sculpture by Gory
Located in London, GB
This elegant bust of a young woman was created by the acclaimed sculptor, Affortunato Gory (Italian, fl. 1895-1925). Affortunato Gory (also known as Fortunato Gory) studied under the...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Napoleon III French Solid Marble Bust, Signed by Sculptor of a Beautiful Women
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare and quite exquisite original 19th century Napoleon III French bust of a stunning young lady signed to the rear.
A truly stunning sculp...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Large Ormolu Bust of Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome
Located in London, GB
This remarkable ormolu bust of the iconic Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is the epitome of neoclassical style design, and was originally intended as an overdoor decoration. Overdoors - ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French bronze bust of a woman after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Located in London, GB
French bronze bust of a woman after Jean-Antoine Houdon
French, late 19th Century
Height 60cm, width 26cm, depth 22cm
This superb patinated bro...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, building and garden elements, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include Affortunato Gory, Antonio Frilli, Camille Tharaud, and Copeland. 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 $400 and tops out at $75,000 while the average work can sell for $4,450.
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