In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
Victor Hugo Castañeda Bronze Sculpture, Mexico 1988, Edition 1/20
By Victor Hugo Castaneda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare bronze sculpture by renowned Mexican artist Victor Hugo Castañeda (b. 1947), signed and dated Victor H. Castañeda, 1988, and marked Edition 1 of 20. This intimate and contemplat...
Bronze
$23,040Sale Price|20% Off
Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Porcelain
19th Century Large French Wooden Artists Lay Fiqure Mannequin
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A rare 19th Century articulated Gliedermann mannequin featuring richly grained carved French pine, used by painters and sculptures in the 1800's. These artist lays have been useful d...
Wood, Pine
Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century.. Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand. Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
Porcelain
"Tiren la Primera Piedra" Bronze Sculpture by Victor Salmones, Signed & Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning bronze sculpture designed and manufactured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico by Victor Salmones. The sculpture is titled "Tiren la Primera Piedra" (throw the first stone) made i...
Marble, Bronze
$36,950Sale Price|43% Off
French 19th Century Life-Size Bronze "La Danse des Oeufs" by Gustave-Louis Nast
By Gustave-Louis Nast 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large French 19th century Orientalist style life-size patinated and parcel-gilt bronze sculpture of "La Danse des Oeufs" (The Dance of Golden Eggs) also known as "La Danse...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Bronze
Original Sculpture , Double figure of a Arab on horseback & young girl Signed By
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a large Sculpture by both Barye and El Guillman cast from the original . Two signatures are visible on the base . Said to be very rare piece! Large 33" in height and 22" long...
Metal
Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Chandelier or Pendant with Stylized Swan Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique and handcrafted six-light chandelier. If you are searching for an elegant and unique chandelier to, for example, complete a dining room or a large entrance then th...
Wrought Iron
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
19th C French Gilt Bronze Model of a Resting Hand, Attributed to Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French Gilt Bronze model of a resting hand, Attributed to Barbedienne. France, Circa 1880s A unique work, realistically cast model of an ormolu of a resting hand on ...
Marble, Bronze
"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space. This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Granite
Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century. This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Glass, Mercury Glass
Polychrome Carved Wooden Buddha With Glass Bead Inlays
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Large Standing Buddha in carved wood, polychrome, with glass bead inlays. from Mandalay, Burma, the late 19th century/early 20th century In superb condition with a magnificent patina
Wood
Gilded Bronze Buddha, Kingdom Of Siam—19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A superb seated bronze Buddha from the Kingdom of Siam, dating from the 19th century. A very beautiful Buddha that has retained its superb gilding The Buddha is depicted in the lotu...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Basket of Flowers Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century cast iron basket of flowers doorstop, Anglo-American. Worn soft old enamel paint. 8.13" x 6.13" x 1.5". 4 lbs. We are a family business that has been a major sourc...
Iron
Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepher...
Bronze
19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...
Fruitwood
A 19th Centur Pair of Cold Painted Orientalist Figures of a Musician and Dancer
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A Pair of Orientalist style Figures of a musician and dance, cold painted over white metal, with an old repair ot the base of the male.
Spelter
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Doulton Burslem Figural Grape Stand Centerpiece
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This figural porcelain grape stand and holder is decorated with whimsical mushrooms encircling the "faux branch" to hold the grapes. It is embellished with...
Porcelain
I Primera Sculpture by Joel Escalona
Located in Geneve, CH
I Primera sculpture by Joel Escalona. Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 190 cm. Materials: oak wood, metal. Also available in natural o...
Metal
Late 19th Century Dress Form Mannequin
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Shapely dress form mannequin from the 19th century. In good working order, on castor wheels. Has minor water stains, no tears or damage to the fig...
Iron
19th Century French Bronze Figure La Cruche Cassée by Mathurin Moreau
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a desk, library shelf, or lady’s office with this elegant antique bronze sculpture titled La Cruche Cassée (The Broken Pitcher). Crafted in France circa 1880, the compositio...
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture by Victor Roman
By Victor Roman
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Bronze sculpture by Victor Roman. Signed and numbered 2/8.
Bronze
$716Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in W 7 in D 4.5 in
19th Century English Diminutive Parian Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century English diminutive Parian bust of apollo Belvedere, a well executed example, raised on a 3-inch diameter solace base. Unmarked.
Ceramic
1990s Chinese Porcelain Figure Bust of Mao Zedong
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s Chinese porcelain figure bust of Mao Zedong, with stamp from Chinese customs authorizing its export.
Ceramic
$4,566
H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 6.7 in
Large Mythological Meissen Group 'The Catch Of The Triton', J.J. Kändler, c 1870
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain sculpture: Very elaborate and lovingly designed group of figures: two young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in cloths tied around their loi...
Porcelain
$4,900
H 9.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Frank Gehry Twisted Bronze Sculpture, 9 3/4" High, Signed, Numbered, Certificate
By Frank Gehry
Located in Toledo, OH
Frank Gehry Twisted Bronze Sculpture. Stacked, layered, swirls, and twisted design. 9 3/4" tall x 4" diameter, signed, numbered 37/200. Certificate I...
Bronze
$2,107
H 8.08 in W 5.71 in D 4.93 in
Meissen Costume Group, Couple Dressed In Empire Style, by H. Goeschl, Ca 1940
By Heinrich Goeschl, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant couple costumed in Empire style: The lady in a dress that softly hugs the body with a high waist that sits just below the bust, a short cape covering the neckline and shoulde...
Porcelain
Sold|$4,566
H 11.23 in W 9.45 in D 7.09 in L 11.23 in
The Catch Of The Triton, Large Mythological Meissen Group, J.J. Kändler, Ca 1860
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain sculpture: Very elaborate and lovingly designed group of figures: two young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in cloths tied around their loi...
Porcelain
$5,385
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
Meissen Allegorical Group 'The Water', by M.V. Acier, Germany, Around 1860
By Michel Victor Acier 1, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain group of the 19th century: Nymph, covered only with a cloth, seated on a half shell floating on the water, holding the cloth at one end so that it forms ...
Porcelain
Large KPM Porcelain Plaque of 'Romeo and Juliet' 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality large 19th century KPM Porcelain plaque, depicting 'Romeo and Juliet' mounted in a carved giltwood frame.
Porcelain
Pair of Terra Cotta Chinese Warrior Sculptures Qin Shi Replicas
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking pair of terra cotta Chinese warrior sculptures are faithful replicas of the legendary Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Army, one of the...
Terracotta
c. 1900 Cast Iron Noah's Ark Doorstop
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 heavy cast iron Noah's Ark doorstop, Anglo-American. Great surfaces! Typical rust on bottom and nicks in enamels. Very well cast. 8.5" x 6.25" x 2.5". 3.5 lbs. We are a f...
Iron
James Hadley Royal Worcester Exceptional Pair Joy and Sorrow Figurines
By James Hadley
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional pair English aesthetic movement porcelain pair of figurines portraying Joy and Sorrow by renowned potter and artist James Hadley (British, 1837-1903) dated 1896. The f...
Porcelain
Sold
H 14.18 in W 42.13 in D 13.39 in
Sicilian Cart Axle Representing St George Polychrome Wood And Wrought Iron - 19t
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Rare Sicilian Cart Axle in Polychrome Wood and Wrought Iron from the 19th Century Superb carved wood representing Saint George slaying the dragon in its center. We can also find fou...
Wood
Pine Master Staircase
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative master staircase is all made of pine with small brass nais. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Pine
Copeland FL Miller Princess of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
By Copeland
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Copeland parian bust of the Princess of Wales sculpted by F.L. Miller for the the Crystal Palace Art Union and dated 1863. Probabl...
Porcelain
1900s Cold-Painted Statue of Arab
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted figure of an Arab man. Early 1900s. European. Not sure of origin. Signed by artist: "WEEGON" Some losses to the original paint. Very handsome figure.
Metal
Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique Patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / Early 20th century. This is a wonderful mercury glass Madonna with child figurine. It is made of molded ...
Glass, Mercury Glass
Sold
H 1.5 in W 0.5 in D 1.5 in
Miniature Antique Viennese Cold Painted Bronze Figural Sculpture Franz Bergmann
Located in Forney, TX
A very fine Viennese cold painted bronze orientalist miniature figural sculpture attributed to Franz Bergman. Exquisitely hand-crafted i...
Bronze
Sold
H 39.77 in W 9.45 in L 39.77 in
19th Century 1 Metre Tall Bronze Sculpture of a Bare Chested Man, France 1890
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A large, 3ft tall bronze figure of a miner standing bare chested on an integral naturalistic base holding a pickaxe and a miner's lamp. Inscribed 'Mineur par Levy Salon des Beaux Arts', signed 'CH LEVY...
Bronze
Ceramic Madonna with Child High Relief
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4832 - Beautiful old high-relief white ceramic Madonna with child, signed Friska 1941 - Sweet smile of mother and child! For shipping it's necessary a ...
Ceramic
Pair of Late 19th Century Italian Giltwood Greyhounds
Located in Houston, TX
This pair of tall Italian greyhound sculptures are from the late 19th century. Silver gilding with patination, skillful attention has been brought to the details to include their hea...
Wood