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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: 20th Century
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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pair of Petite Borghese Terra Cotta Busts C. 1960's
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

Unique Bust Sculpture of Abraham Lincoln
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

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

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

Pair of Vintage Sculptural Cast Bronze Native American Indian Chief Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Matched pair of detailed cast bronze bookends depicting a North American Indian Chief bust. There are no maker's marks, initials or signature of eith...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Rugged Outdoorsman” Bronze by Lundeen
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous American bronze sculpture of a “Rugged Outdoorsman” bronze by Lundeen. George Wayne Lundeen (b. 1948), American Sculptor … limited Edition No 10/12 … dated 1977. Fully and properly signed and marked on the rear of the head. This is an exceptional quality bronze with exceptional detail. It features the bust/head of a bearded and rugged American Frontiersman with rope over his shoulder. It sits on a granite base. George Wayne Lundeen, American sculptor (b. 1948 -). Born in Holdrege, Nebraska, George Lundeen has become a nationally known sculptor of realistic figures. He achieved the status of full Academician of the National Academy of Design in New York, which is the highest professional recognition bestowed on visual arts in America. One of his best known pieces is the seated, life-size figure in bronze of Benjamin Franklin at the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. He also has work at the Capital Rotunda in Washington DC. and in 2001, his sculpture Thomas Jefferson was dedicated at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Lundeen served as the 2001 Thomas Jefferson Distinguished Visiting Lecturer and participated in the unveiling of the Jefferson sculpture. Recipient Pioneer award, Nebraska legislature, 1995, Distinguished Nebraskan, Governor Nebraska, 1995; Fulbright-Hays grantee, Florence, Italy, 1973-1974. Member of National Academy of Design (academician), Allied Artists American (Montana award 1982), National Sculpture Society (Bronze medal 1981, 1984, Silver medal 1982). UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA 1999 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters STATE OF NEBRASKA 1995 “Distinguished Nebraskan” by proclamation of the Governor of Nebraska LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA AND THE NEBRASKALAND FOUNDATION 1995 Pioneer Award NATIONAL SCULPTURE SOCIETY 1983 National Sculpture Society’s Prizewinner Exhibition, Bronze Medal: “Departure” 1982 National Sculpture Silver Medal: “Old Friends” 1981 National Sculpture Bronze Medal: “Departure” ALLIED ARTISTS OF AMERICA 1991 Associate Members Award: “Joy of Music-Bass Player” 1990 Helen Gapen Oehler Memorial Award: “Hearts on a Swing” 1987 Allied Artists Members & Associates Award: “Ben Franklin” 1981 Pietro and Alfrieda Montana Memorial Award: “Michelle” NORTH AMERICAN SCULPTURE EXHIBITION 1986 John Cavenaugh Memorial Award: “Flatlander” 1983 Art Castings of Colorado Award: “Lovers” 1981 Rocky Mountain Sculpture...
Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Granite, Bronze

Italian Neo-Classic Terra-Cotta Busts
Located in New York, 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

Vintage Bronze Sculpture of Ludwig von Beethoven
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage cast bronze metal sculpture of Ludwig von Beethoven on a marble stand. Heavy and nice sculpture bust of one of the most prominent musician in all time, circa mid-20th century. This is a vintage sculpture of the masterful classical music composer...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Metal

Head of Roam Male in White Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Evocative Mid-Century Modern Roman Head of male in white porcelain on faux malachite stand from a Palm Beach estate. Square base measures 4 1/2 x 4 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Porcelain

Large Marble Bust of a Modern Music Goddess
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a large rose beige marble bust of a modern music goddess. She has abundant wavy hair arranged to the side. Her head is tilted to the same side of the hair while she is looking d...
Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Marble

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

French Marble Bust of Louis XIV, the Sun King
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Louis XIV, known as Louis the Great or Le Roi Soleil (Sun King) was a monarch who reigned as king of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72...
Category

20th Century French 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

Carved Marble Fragment of a Young Boy
Located in New York, NY
Carved marble fragment from a bust of a young boy, 20th century, his face depicted with a happy smile, unsigned, with associated white marble base. Mea...
Category

20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Marble

Jo Mead Sculpture
By Jo Mead
Located in Chicago, IL
A Jo Mead plaster lion's head painted sculpture mounted on a custom acrylic stand. Jo Mead (American, 1919-2000) found in an important lake forest, Illino...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Paint, Plaster

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

Larger-Than-Life Patinated Bronze Bust of President William H. Taft
By Frederick Ernst Triebel 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and larger-than-life and very realistic museum quality patinated bronze bust of President William H. Taft (1857–1930) by Frederick Ernst Triebel (American, 1865-1944) cast by Nelli Foundry in Rome, Italy. William H. Taft, the 27th President of the United States and Jurist, is depicted with his renown thick mustache and wearing a bow tie, vest and coat. Inscribed on the back: F.E. Triebel. Sculp and Fond. Nelli, Roma, circa first quarter 20th century. Due to its size, subject and high quality, this bust was probably commissioned for a Museum or public exhibition, such as an embassy or government building, the same way as other similar works by the sculptor. The Roman foundry operated by the Nelli family during the last quarter of the 19th century cast works for many leading sculptors of the day, including Alfred Gilbert and Anton van Wouw...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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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