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
Period: 19th Century
19th Century Italian Marble Bust of Socrates
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Italian Marble bust of the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates. His draped robe is hand-carved in red Scagliola with the face modelled in contrasting white Carrara marb...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
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
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 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
A Pair of Patinated Bronze Busts Depicting Homer and Euripedes
Located in 263-0031, JP
After the Classical originals, these busts, in the form of herms (the bases are square) are stamped with the round “Collas“ seal, indicating that the reductions from the original siz...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
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
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
19th Century Pair Ceramic Busts
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Pair Ceramic Busts depicting the Greek figures Aphrodite and Homer, both giving the illusion of aged stone.
The bust of Homer is based on a much-restored Roman copy of ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Parian Ware Bust of Julius Caesar
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Parian ware portrait bust of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar in draped toga.
Parian ware is a type of biscuit porcelain which imitates the style of carved marble.
Gaius Julius Caesar...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Bronze Bust of Homer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze bust of Homer attributed to the attributed to the Chiurazzi Foundry, Naples, Italy. Homer was author of the epic poems the Iliad and the ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Torso, Antique Carrara Marble Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian torso of a Roman male in hand carved Carrara marble and mounted onto a black marble base, in good condition. The Italian décor represe...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
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 Neoclassic Style Bronze Poseidon Bust
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassic style cast bronze Poseidon bust with black metal stand (19th century).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Neoclassic Green Painted and Giltwood Pedestal
Located in Essex, MA
Circular top and tapered fluted tapered faux marble column with swag, square base. Ex collection William Hodgins Interior Designer.
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Italian Painted Roman Emperor Bust
Located in New York, 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
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
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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