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
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
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
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
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
Neoclassical Plaster Busts of Diana and Apollo Belvedere Sculptures, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous pair of cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male and female head busts of Diana and Apollo Belvedere god and goddess sculptures
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Goddess Diana Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style female head bust of Diana the Huntress goddess sculpture
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 12"H.
Very good original con...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Mythological Apollo Belvedere Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of the mythological god Apollo Belvedere sculpture
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 12"H.
Very good ori...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Italian Neoclassic Marble Bust of Woman signed Lawrence Macdonald Rome 1852
Located in Savannah, GA
This lovely sculpture is mounted on a pedestal and carved out of white Italian marble in the likeness of an idealized woman who is coiffed in an 1830-40s hair...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Antique 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 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
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 Neoclassical Italian Carved Alabaster Bust, Joan of Arc, C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Italian Neoclassical Italian Carved Alabaster Bust, Joan of Arc, C1900
Measures - 6.5"H x 5.75"W x 3.25"D
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Michaelangelo's David C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Neoclassical Parian Porcelain Bust of Michaelangelo's David C1900
Measures- 17''H x 9.75''W x 6''D
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Italian Wooden Bust of Apollo Belvedere, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
After the famous Apollo Belvedere marble statue (dating to Rome, mid-2nd century), this wooden bust of the Roman/Greek god was hand-carved in Italy during the 1800s. The marble is it...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Wood
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
Antique Marble Bust of Venus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique over life-size bust of Venus. Thanks to her scale, this Neoclassical style handcarved marble sculpture of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, is very striking. Charac...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
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
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
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
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
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
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
18th Century Large Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus
Located in Dublin 8, IE
18th Century Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus. His draped robe is hand-carved in red rosso levanto marble with the face modelled in contrasting white Carrara marble. The piece ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
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
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
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
Pair of Petite Borghese Terra Cotta Busts C. 1960's
By Borghese
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French terra cotta bust boy & girl bust Borghese of Houdon's Louis Brongniart (1772-1845) The original sits in the Louve. 9" tall with pedestal base and gilt detail. Both bust stil...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
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
Dancing Tivoli Goddess Statue
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Tivoli dancer's bust is a fragment of an original statue dating back probably to the 4th century BC and is conserved in the archeological museum of Rome.
This sumptuous, large, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
Parisian Male Apollo Torso
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Large Apollo Torso
Sourced from Paris, France, by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Fitted with Mount and original hand-painting
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Epoxy Resin
Vintage 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
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
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
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
Unique Bust Sculpture of Abraham Lincoln
By Robert Berks
Located in New York, NY
Robert Berks (American, 1922-2011) bronzed clay or plaster bust depicting President Abraham Lincoln.
Signed BERKS (with copyright) and dated "58". Mounted onto a brown stone swivel base.
Bust measures 11 1/2" H x approx. 6" W. Overall: 16 1/2" H. Note: Robert Berks was known for his highly textured...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Clay
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
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
Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Period: New
Condition: Good. Wear consists with age and use
Category
2010s Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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