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
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
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
Bust of Diana the Huntress French Louis XVI Bronze 19th Century - Artist Houdon
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Bust of Diana the Huntress French Louis XVI Bronze 19th Century - Artist Houdon
Bronze sculpture representing Diana the huntress after Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). In Roman myth...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Roman Emperor Augustus Terracotta Bust
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century classically styled white glazed and unglazed Italian bust of Roman Emperor Augustus.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
"David by Michelangelo" Plaster Bust
Located in Sacile, PN
A gorgeous white Plaster Bust of "David by Michelangelo".
This statue is based on the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, which is a masterpiece ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
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 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
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
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
"Diana" Plaster Bust, Italy 1960 ca
Located in Sacile, PN
Bust of goddes "Diana". The bust is made of plaster, with a weathered and slightly worn surface. The woman is portrayed with a serene and contemplative expression, her eyes gently do...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
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
Plaster Wall Hanging Bust of Lucius Verus After the Antique
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A dramatic early 20th century Grand Tour style plaster wall hanging bust of Lucius Verus, co-emperor of ancient Rome from 161-169 alongside his adoptive brother, Marcus Aurelius.
Af...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
After Augustin Pajou, French, Large Terracotta Bust
By Augustin Pajou
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Large 19th century terracotta ceramic figurative sculpture, beautifully hand crafted after French neoclassical sculptor Augistin Pajou. Possible to be Marie Antoinette born Maria Ant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
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
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
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
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
Italian Black 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
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
Set 3 Italian Neoclassic Style Patinated Bronze Reductions of Busts of Emperors
Located in Queens, NY
Set 3 Italian Neoclassic Style Patinated Bronze Reductions of Busts of Emperors
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
Marble Sculpture 'Bust of a Child' F. Gerth
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Marble sculpture (bust of a child) F. Gerth
Origin Italy, Rome circa 1900
perfect condition without restorations
Artist: F. Gerth.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Portrait Medallions David Garrick & Sarah Siddons, Wedgwood, 19th Century
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A matched pair of portrait medallions showing the famous actors Mr Garrick (C1830) and Mrs Siddons, (circa 1880). Framed as a pair, they work well together.
David Garrick and Sarah Siddons...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Pottery
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
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
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
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
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
Carrara Marble Sculpture "Schiava" Attributed to Giacomo Ginotti, Italy, C. 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carrara marble sculpture "Schiava" attributed to Giacomo Ginotti (1845-1897). Italy, late 19th Century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
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
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 Ernest Rancoulet, (French, 1870-1915), this excellent gilt-bronze bust was made in the late nineteenth century, in fine neoclassical style. Rancoulet was best known for mythological scenes and figures, and depictions of athletes. He was also known for depictions of members of high society, often aristocratic women, exhibiting for a number of years at the Paris Salon, producing many exceptional likenesses, busts, and figurines, such as this.
In this work, the sitter, envisioned as a 16th century Prince or nobleman of sorts, towards out and towards the left. He wears a plumed hat and a high collared cape, with a typical period frilled ruff. His tunic is elaborately decorated with jewellery. A portrait full of character and vitality, this work is an excellent representation of Rancoulet's work, and of French Neoclassical sculpture...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ormolu
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
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Lucius Verus
Located in 263-0031, JP
Lucius Verus was Co-Emperor with Marcus Aurelius during the first nine years of Marcus’ reign. A handsome guy, his image became popular during and after his imperial days. This bust ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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 sh...
Category
Late 20th Century European 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
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.