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: USA
Style: Neoclassical
1900s Signed Bronze Bust of Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully cast with Paris foundry mark and signature of artist.
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, L'Espiegle, Verdigris Bronze Bust Anna Foucart
Located in Germantown, MD
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (French 1827-1975) L'Espiegle "The Mischief Maker" Patinated Verdigris Bronze Bust of Anna Foucart smiling.
Measures 10" wide , 10" deep and 19.5" tall.
Bor...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Female by Eduardo Rossi
Located in New York, NY
Marble bust of a female in neoclassical robes by the Italian master, Eduardo Rossi (1867-1926), measuring 21.5 inches tall.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Neoclassical Plaster Busts of Diana and Apollo Belvedere Sculptures, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous pair of cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male and female head busts of Diana and Apollo Belvedere god and goddess sculptures
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Goddess Diana Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style female head bust of Diana the Huntress goddess sculpture
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 12"H.
Very good original con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Mythological Apollo Belvedere Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of the mythological god Apollo Belvedere sculpture
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 12"H.
Very good ori...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Italian Neoclassic Marble Bust of Woman signed Lawrence Macdonald Rome 1852
Located in Savannah, GA
This lovely sculpture is mounted on a pedestal and carved out of white Italian marble in the likeness of an idealized woman who is coiffed in an 1830-40s hair...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Diana C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Diana C1900
Measures- 17.5''H x 9.75''W x 6''D
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Bust C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Bust C1900
Measures - 3.75"H x 4.25"W x 2.25"D
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Michaelangelo's David C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Michaelangelo's David C1900
Measures- 17''H x 9.75''W x 6''D
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Italian Wooden Bust of Apollo Belvedere, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
After the famous Apollo Belvedere marble statue (dating to Rome, mid-2nd century), this wooden bust of the Roman/Greek god was hand-carved in Italy during the 1800s. The marble is it...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Wood
Dancing Tivoli Goddess Statue
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Tivoli dancer's bust is a fragment of an original statue dating back probably to the 4th century BC and is conserved in the archeological museum of Rome.
This sumptuous, large, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
Vintage Classical Plaster Male Bust of Hermes Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of Hermes sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 13.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Huge Antique French Bronze Roman Soldier Sculpture by Picault
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Antique French Bronze Roman Soldier Sculpture by Picault
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Parisian Male Apollo Torso
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Large Apollo Torso
Sourced from Paris, France, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Fitted with Mount and original hand-painting
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Epoxy Resin
Vintage Classical Plaster Male Bust of Hermes Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of Hermes sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 13.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Terracotta Female Italian Bust, Circa 1870
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand-carved Italianate Terracotta Female Bust, Circa 1870
Sourced from Italy by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Fitted with Mounted Adjoining Base
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Unique Bust Sculpture of Abraham Lincoln
By Robert Berks
Located in New York, NY
Robert Berks (American, 1922-2011) bronzed clay or plaster bust depicting President Abraham Lincoln.
Signed BERKS (with copyright) and dated "58". Mounted onto a brown stone swivel base.
Bust measures 11 1/2" H x approx. 6" W. Overall: 16 1/2" H. Note: Robert Berks was known for his highly textured...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Clay
Terracotta Male Italian Bust, Circa 1870
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Italianate Terracotta Male Bust, Circa 1870
Sourced from Italy by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Hand craved, and fitted with adjoining terracotta mount
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Petite Borghese Terra Cotta Busts C. 1960's
By Borghese
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French terra cotta bust boy & girl bust Borghese of Houdon's Louis Brongniart (1772-1845) The original sits in the Louve. 9" tall with pedestal base and gilt detail. Both bust stil...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Cast Stone Bust of Male Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid Cast Stone bust of male figure. Signed on the side.
Flat base can sit on mantle, pedestal or table.
See images for condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Cast Stone, Concrete
Vintage Classical Female Parian Porcelain Bust Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous neoclassical style white parian porcelain female bust sculpture
USA, Mid-20th Century
Measures: 4"W x 3"D x 6.75"H.
Good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Period: New
Condition: Good. Wear consists with age and use
Category
2010s Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Wedgwood Parian Bust of Robert Stephenson by E. W. Wyon
Located in Alexandria, VA
This handsome parian bust is of Robert Stephenson(1803-1859- England),. It is documented on the back shoulders in embossed letters with the name of subject, sculptor, publisher, an...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Neoclassical Bronze Busts Apollo and Diana Mounted on Black Marble
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of very decorative French 19th Century Apollo and Diana Bronze Busts or Neoclassical Clad Busts.
Mounted on black marble square shaped bases these b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Head Sculpture, Mark Twain
Located in Sheffield, MA
Bust/Head, a bronzed plaster sculpture cast of Mark Twain with lifelike details.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Signed Carved Alabaster Neoclassical Sculpture of Giuseppe Bessi Bust on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Carved Alabaster Neoclassical Sculpture of Giuseppe Bessi Bust on Stand
Country: France
Materials: Alabaster
Condition: Original Condition
Style: Fr...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
Vintage Grand Tour Faux Finished Plaster Bust
Located in west palm beach, FL
A striking vintage neoclassical plaster bust of man. A chic Grand Tour figure with a gorgeous hand painted finish. Acquired from the estate of Massimo Camilo, the designer for Gianni...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
French 19th Century Terracotta Bust of Madame Récamier, After Jean-Antoine Houdo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Striking Female Bust of Saint or Princess on Black Cube
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking composite bust of female in period head dress. Perhaps she is a saint or princess. Signed on bottom. Base is a black cube, 4.5" x 4.5"
Category
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
"Liberty" Bronze Bust on Black Slate Plinth, 20th Century School
Located in Germantown, MD
A 20th Century School "Liberty" Bronze Bust on Black Slate Plinth. Measures 6.25" in width, 6.25" in depth and stands 15" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Slate, Bronze
Set of 4 Italian Neo-Classic 19th Century Marble Relief Busts
Located in New York, NY
SET of 4 similar Italian Neo-Classic (19th Century) white marble relief busts depiction four faces framed by ornately carved hair. (PRICED AS SET)
Each bust unique with slightly ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Wedgwood Black Basalt Library Bust of Mercury
By John Flaxman
Located in New Orleans, LA
This model is attributed to John Flaxman, Jr., a celebrated English sculptor, illustrator and designer, considered a leading artist in the Neoclassical style in England. In this expertly rendered black basalt bust...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Marble Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Italian 19th century neoclassical st. white Carrara marble bust of Apollo Belvedere signed A. Frilli Florence. The wonderfully executed bust depicts the handsome Apoll...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Italian Artemis Marble Torso
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century Italian Artemis white statuary marble torso on bronze base.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble, Bronze
Terra Cotta Head Bust of a Handsome Man
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Intriguing bust of a young man made of rustic unglazed terra-cotta great eyes expression, looking forward.
Beautiful object of art for display.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century Neoclassical Bronze Doré Sculpture of Woman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A masterful large classical statue in cast bronze of a beautiful young woman in stride wearing a flowing ionic chiton. The exquisite casting of ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Terracotta Bust of Girl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully detailed. Hand sculpted terracotta on original marble plinth.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Antique Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Classical Man, 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Neoclassical sculpture offers cast and gilt bronze construction and depicts bust of a Classical man, 19th century
Measures- 12''H x 4.75''W x 6''D
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Monumental 19th Century French Plaster Torso of Venus
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental 19th century French plaster Torso of Venus.
This stunning large scale late 19th century French plaster torso sculpture of Venus is well exec...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Alabaster Bust of Judith with Marble Column After August Riedel Painting
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a heavy alabaster bust sculpture of Judith after the painting of August Riedel. It depicts the bust of a light brown wavy hair female who is wear...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
Large 19th Century French Cherub Statue in Terra Cotta Tinted Plaster
Located in Dallas, TX
This large French cherub or cupid statue from the 1800’s is made from plaster that has been tinted to mimic the natural color of terra cotta. The figure ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Bust of the Sparta King Menelaus
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish, late grand-tour bust of King Menelaus is fabricated in solid cast plaster, that has a hand applied faux bronze finish.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze, Marble, & Ormolu Bust of Marianne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, silvered bronze, ormolu, Rosso Verona and white Carrara marble bust of Marianne in full armor. The bust is raised by a thick Rosso Verona marble base with an elegant scalloped shape adorned with richly chased masks and swaging berried laurel garlands and centered by a striking fitted ormolu plaque...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Plaster Bust of Diana of Versailles
Located in New York, NY
Plaster bust of Diana of Versailles, a statue of the Greek goddess Artemis.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classic Italian Terracotta Bust of David
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Romantic sculptural bust in earthy terracotta of the classically handsome David.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Bronze and Rouge Marble Bust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finley cast bust of lady on beautiful rogue marble plinth with a dore bronze accent ring at the base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century French Louis XVI Plaster Bust Portrait of Nicolas de Condorcet
Located in Dallas, TX
An 18th French plaster bust of a young aristocrat with a charming gaze and a wonderful old patina.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Terra Cotta Bust of a Handsome Kid, Signed M.D
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Intriguing bust of a young kid made of rustic terra-cotta,
great smile, innocent expression, looking forward.
Beautiful object of art from any angle.
Signed and dated MD 3/91
If anybody know anything about who is the artist...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of French 19 Century Apollo and Daphne Bronze Clad Busts
Located in New York, NY
pair of very decorative French 19 century Apollo and Daphne Bronze Clad Busts.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Clad Bust of George Washington, after Houdon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bronze clad bust of George Washington, after Houdon, A well executed bronze clad ( bronze over plaster) bust of Washington, after a work by F...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Large and Rare Patinated Bronze Bust of George Washington, by F. Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
A Large and Rare Patinated Bronze Bust of George Washington, after Houdon by F. Barbedienne Foundry, circa 1870.
Very nice quality green patinated bronze bust of President...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassic Style Bronze Poseidon Bust
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-classic style cast bronze Poseidon bust with black metal stand (19th Cent).
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Metal, Bronze
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze Bust
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze, ormolu and marble bust of David. The bust is raised by an elegant circular marble socle pedestal with a fine mottle...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Joseph Charles Marin
By Joseph Charles Marin
Located in New York, NY
Cupid Holding a Bow
by French Sculptor Joseph-Charles Marin (1759-1834)
White Marble, signed and dated 1784
Provenance: Carl Singer, from the Estate of Charles Hitchcock Tyler, Beverly MA...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bust of Napoleon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and wonderfully executed Italian 19th century neo-classical st. white Carrara marble and a faux painted marble bust of Napoleon. The bust is raised by an exceptional and m...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Neo-Classic Style Marble Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in New York, NY
Italian neo-classic style (19th Cent) light brown marble bust of a Roman emperor mounted on a round plinth.
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Stone, Metal
Antique McClelland Barclay Gilded Bronze Neoclassical Nude Figural Bust Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique McClelland Barclay bronze figurine in the shape of a neoclassically inspired female figure without arms or head, embedded in a half r...
Category
Early 20th Century 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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