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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Style: Neoclassical
Item Ships From: USA
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
Italian Painted Roman Emperor Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-Classic style (19/20th Cent) faux painted composition bust of a Roman Emperor wearing a red toga and mounted on a black square base.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Paint
Pair of Alabaster Fredrick the Great and Napoleon Busts
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Continental German (19th/20th Cent) alabaster busts of Fredrick the Great and Napoleon raised on green marble column bases (by Fritz Kochendorfer...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Antique Male Torso Bust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This plaster sculpture captures the classical male form in a headless, armless torso that echoes the refined beauty of ancient Greco-Roman statuary. Rendered with anatomical precisio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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 Carved Marble Bust of Ajax
By Bernini
Located in Atlanta, GA
A magnificent Carrara marble bust of Ajax. Exquisite rendering of the Greek hero featuring elaborate helmet. On an associated square base.
After Gian Lorenzo Bernini...
Category
1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
19th Century Grand Tour Verdigris Bronze Bust of Dante Alighieri / Marble Plinth
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Verdigris Bronze Bust of 14th Century Italian Poet Dante Alighieri on Marble Plinth. Measures 18" in width, 7.5" in depth and 13" in height.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, 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
Ecorche Marble Bust of a Man
Located in Stamford, CT
A Marble Ecorche (from the French word meaning to peal). An anatomical representation of mans muscle and bone structure. 19th century Italian marble bust.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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
French Sevres Bust of Alexandre Brongiart, early 20th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
cast in white bisque porcelain by the Sevres company and depicting Alexandre Brongiart as a boy, after sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon, the original having been sculpted in the late 18t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Pair of 19th cent. Diana & Apollo Bronze Busts on Rouge Marble Mounts
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of marble and bronze Neo Classical Grand Tour decorative sculptures, w Bronze busts of Diane and Apollo , standing on Red Marble columns & bases w. gilt Bronze mounts.
Both sig...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
"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
Buste De Venus
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bust fragment of Venus, goddess of Love, seduction, and beauty in Roman mythology. The original statue dates back to the 5th century BC.
Sourced by Martyn Lawrence Bullard from Paris...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
Antique Italian Neoclassical Style Marble Sculpture of Putti Children
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 32 in W: 16 1/2 in D: 10 in
This stunning Antique Italian Neoclassical Style Marble Sculpture beautifully captures the timeless elegance and grace of classical art....
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Set of 4 Italian Neo-Classic 19th Century Marble Relief Busts
Located in Queens, 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 dif...
Category
19th Century Unknown 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
Classical Brass Verdigris Bust of Mythological Apollo Belvedere Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast brass verdigris Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of the mythological god Apollo Belvedere sculpture
USA, Late 2...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Brass
Vintage Plaster Bust of Marc Anthony
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this plaster composite bust of Marc Anthony dates from the 1970s. Built in pedestal display stand. Unknown maker. Very good vintage condition with minor scattered s...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Other
Small Antique Bronze Bust of a Child after Jean-Antoine Houdon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A good small bronze bust of a child after Jean-Antoine Houdon.
The child with head turned to the left in a downward gaze. Slightly pensive and some...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Alabaster Portrait Bust of a Gentleman, by Insom Fece, 1839
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian neoclassical Alabaster portrait bust of a gentleman, by Insom Fece, 1839
Finely detailed portrait bust of young man with wavy hair. Inscribed signature on back right shoulde...
Category
1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
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
19th Century Spectacular Clay Goddess of Summer in a Matching Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
19th century spectacular clay Goddess of summer.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Clay
Bust of Child Sculptures- A Pair
Located in Denton, TX
Bust of Child Sculptures- A Pair. Unknown signature on the back.
Boy sculpture measures 9.25 H X 8 W X 4.63 D
Girl Sculpture Measures 9.25 H X 7.75 W X ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Pair 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
Italian Neo-Classic Style Marble Bust of Roman Emperor
Located in Queens, 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 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
French Neoclassical Style Bronze of a Women Signed Samson
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 7in W: 8in D: 5 1/2in
This antique French Neoclassical figural bronze sculpture of a maiden, after Samson, is an incredible example of 20th century French decor! If...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Rare American Marble Bust of Classical Woman by Thomas Ridgeway Gould
Located in Shippensburg, PA
THOMAS RIDGEWAY GOULD
United States, 1818-1881
Bust of a Classical Woman (1872)
Carved Cararra marble signed to the reverse "T.R. GOULD fecit / FLORENCE / 1872"
Item # 407NXP09P
...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Antique French Terracotta Sculpture Signed T. Foris
Located in Houston, TX
Antique French Terracotta sculpture signed T. Foris.
Well executed French terra cotta sculpture signed T. Foris (1921). This lovely French f...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
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
Italian Neo-Classic Terra-Cotta Busts
Located in Queens, NY
2 Italian neo-classic style glazed terra-cotta busts of ladies emblematic of two of the four seasons (19th/early 20th Cent) (priced each).
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Classicizing White Marble Bust by J.H. Haseltine, Rome, 1870
By James Henry Haseltine
Located in Queens, NY
Bust signed and dated "1870 Rome" by J.H. Haseltine, a sculptor who moved to Italy as part of a mass migration of American artists during the late nineteenth century. The sculpture i...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
American Bronze Patina Gentleman Bust
Located in Queens, NY
American 1940s bronze green patina bust of a gentleman wearing a jacket and tie raised on a square plinth
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Theodor Herzl Viennese Bronze Bust
Located in New York, NY
This is a Viennese bronze bust of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, known for his visionary leadership and profound impact on Jewish history. The bust captures Herzl’s di...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Painted Plaster Bust of Pierre Balguerie
By Baron François Joseph Bosio
Located in Dallas, TX
A French painted plaster bust of Pierre Balguerie after an original work by Baron Francois, Joseph Bosio.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Italian Neoclassical Black Ceramic Bust Of Venus
Located in Bridgeport, CT
By VELLUM, Italy. A bust after an ancient sculpture of the goddess with her lovely wavy hair up and looking to the side. A detail of her pleated garment is seen on the lower edge.
R...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
19th Century (Mid) French Marbel Bust of a Boy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Mid) French Marbel Bust of a Boy
Beautiful piece purchased in France.
Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Italian Neo-classic Resin Man Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) resin life size bust of a curly haired Greek or Roman youth raised on a round plinth.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Resin
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina. Pristine Condition.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. marble, Ormolu, and bronze statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. black Belgian marble, Ormolu, and patinated Bronze statue of Ajax the Great. This wonderful bust of Ajax the Gre...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Large American White Marble Bust of a Gentleman by Randolph Rogers
By Randolph Rogers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine 19th century white carved marble bust of a gentleman with mustache wearing a Toga.
Signed: Randolph Rogers, Rome.
Randolph John Rogers (July 6, 1825, Waterloo, New York – January 15, 1892, Rome, Italy) was an American Neoclassical sculptor. An expatriate who lived most of his life in Italy, his works ranged from popular subjects to major commissions, including the Columbus Doors at the U.S. Capitol and American Civil War monuments. Born in Waterloo, New York, he spent most of his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He developed an interest in wood cuts and wood engraving, and moved to New York City about 1847, but was unsuccessful in finding employment as an engraver. While working as a clerk in a dry-goods store, his employers discovered his native talent as a sculptor and provided funds for him to travel to Italy. He began study in Florence in 1848, where he studied briefly under Lorenzo Bartolini. He then opened a studio in Rome in 1851. He resided in that city until his death in 1892.
He began his career carving statues of children and portrait busts of tourists. He was not happy working with marble consequently all his marble statues were copied in his studio by Italian artisans under his supervision, from an original produced by him in another material. This also enabled him to profit from his popular works. His first large-scale work was Ruth Gleaning...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Early 20th Century Vintage Regency Plaster Bust
Located in west palm beach, FL
This exquisite Regency-style plaster bust captures the grace and elegance of classical portraiture. With finely sculpted facial features, flowing curls, and an intricately draped nec...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
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
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
Very Fine Bust of Lady on Wooden Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine bust of a classical lady on wooden base signed Cognel. Dated 1884
Dimensions: Height 26.5", width 19.5", depth 13".
CW4125.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child. We also have other bust of various subject. Feel free to call with further questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble bust of a lady, named La Sulamitide, on the original Vert de Patricia marble pedestal column. The maiden has fi...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Charming Gilt Bronze Bust of a Woman
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming gilt bronze bust of a woman, spectacular gilt finish.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Gold Leaf
4 Neo-Classic Bronze Woman's Masks
Located in Queens, NY
4 Italian Neo-classic (19th Cent) bronze masks of a classical woman's face mounted on a modern ebonized metal rectangular base. (PRICED EACH) (Vary in height from 7" - 8/5")
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze, Metal
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.