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Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.

ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Sinuous, organic and flowing lines
  • Forms that mimic flowers and plant life
  • Decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.

The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau. 

The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.

In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers. 

The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.

Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass. 

Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).

Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.

There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.

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Style: Art Nouveau
Handcrafted Golden First Gramophone Model after Emil Berliner 1887, Germany
Located in Hannover, DE
A special musical design object for lovers of music and transforming technology. This is a handcrafted model of the first gramophone, elaborately crafted and true to detail despite ...
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1960s German Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

1920s Golf Player Harry Vardon Bronze Statue, Richard Thuss, Argentor Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning antique early 20th-century Austrian Art Nouveau bronze portrait figurine / sculpture depicting the renowned golfer Harry Vardon, titled "Joueur au Golf". This piece is dat...
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1920s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vienna Art Ceramics Art Nouveau Bowl 'Goose Dance' by Michael Mörtl ca 1910
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau ceramic centerpiece, twelve geese designed in a circle to form a bowl. White earthenware painted in color and glazed. Designed by Michael MÖRTL (1878 - 1939) around 190...
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1910s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Annibale De Lotto Large Bronze Sculpture Boy with Crab 1910 Italy Venice
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Annibale De Lotto large bronze sculpture Boy with Crab 1910 Italy Venice.
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1910s Italian Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rudolf Marcuse - The Swordsman, Bronze, Germany (Berlin), circa 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Rudolf Marcuse - The Swordsman Germany (Berlin) bronze, marble circa 1910 Dimensions: H x W x D: 24 x 19 x 6 cm Description: Bronze figure standing on a two-tiered base made of bl...
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Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Lifesize Bronze Female Sculpture of a Nude
Located in London, GB
Lovely Lifesize Bronze of a Female Nude This Sculpture was Bought from a Residence in Scotland and was in their Garden for Many Years Lovely Patina
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Painted Bronze Sculpture of Woman Holding a Palm Leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria
Located in North Miami, FL
Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculpture of a woman holding a palm leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria By: Franz Bergmann, Nam Greb Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint Technique...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Peter Tereszczuk Viennese Figural Bronze Sculpture, circa 1910
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A charming antique Viennese bronze sculpture of a young Dutch boy pulling in a fishing net by Peter Tereszczuk dating from circa 1910. The f...
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1910s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Original and Unique Ceramic Fountain by Otto Prutscher and Michael Powolny, 1914
Located in Vienna, AT
Executed by Michael Powolny for the Wienerberger Keramikwerkstätten, ceramic and stoneware, ochre colored, body holding a dish in her outstretched arms standing above a three-tired C...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Art Nouveau "Mounted Amazon" bronze sculpture by Franz von Stuck
Located in Chicago, US
FRANZ VON STUCK (German, 1863-1928) There is a tension between the Apollonian and Dionysian in Stuck’s work. Nietzsche’s contemporary and a kindred spirit, Stuck valiantly searched f...
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Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Lladro Figurine Jockey with Lass #5036 Race Horse Derby Day Lady w/Parasol 1979
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lladro Figurine Jockey with Lass #5036 Race Horse Derby Day Lady w/ Parasol 1979. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 17.5" H x 15" W x 7.5" D.
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Late 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Diana the Huntress Bronze Bas Relief Wall Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th century diana the huntress bronze bas relief wall plaque. Diana with raised bow and hunting dog near her side. We have specialized in the sale of...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

E Marioton, Pompeian Dancer, Signed Bronze, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze dancer with a brown patina, on a green marble base: she bears the name of Pompeian Dancer on a cartouche. She plays delicately with her veil, balanced on one foot, on a ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Sandstone Sculpture by Jens Jacob Bregnø Female Venus Figure, Illums, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Large beautiful figurative sculpture by Danish artist Jens Jacob Bregnø in jugend style. The sculpture is made of raw sandstone and is signed by the ...
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1930s Danish Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Sandstone

Large Pair of Royal Dux Figurines
Located in Toronto, CA
A beautiful pair of monumental biscuit porcelain figures made by renowned Royal Dux Bohemia, depicting a girl and boy, each one at a well. Stamped with the pink, triangular Royal Du...
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Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Emperor Wilhelm II. Sculpture Bust on Marble Base Antique German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic very decorative bronze statue by an unknown Maker depicting Emperor Wilhelm II. from Prussia Germany. Born January 1859 in Berlin; † 4. Juni 1941 in Doorn, Netherlands - he...
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Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

Bronze & Marble Sculpture by Listed Artist Charles Renee Masse Jeune Arabe
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful tall bronze & marble base by listed artist Charles Renee Masse, signed title Jeune Arabe, this piece its part of a series that have many auction results. Signed dated " Ch....
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20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia
By Michelin Man
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
This is a highly collectible Bibendum Michelin Man bronze car mascot, Hood Ornament, Mascotte voiture. It´s approximate 4 inch tall depiction of ...
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Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Girl with Wheat Bronze Sculpture by Hippolyte Moreau
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Girl with Wheat bronze sculpture by Hippolyte F. Moreau. He is famous for his bronze statues of young women. He is also the son of another renown French sculptor named Jean Baptiste Moreau. It depicts a young lady with long curly hair who is dressed with a see-through robe. She is holding a basket of wheat with one arm and some branches of them with the other one. She appears to be in the countryside and is observing a pair of doves that are on the ground. The bronze sculpture is standing over two...
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20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Burza 'The Storm' by Boleslaw Biegas - Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture
Located in Chicago, US
Boleslaw Biegas was one of a large number of Polish artists working in fin-de-siecle Paris. There he found a more kindred artistic environment in which...
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Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French Art Nouveau Bronze Figure of a Beautiful Young Girl by Emmanuel Villanis
Located in Petaluma, CA
This beautiful young woman is a fine example of the creations of the noted French sculptor, Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914). You will find his works to be predominantly art nouveau wo...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italian Early 20th C. Glass Grape Bunch Pendant Light (2 available)
Located in San Francisco, CA
A vibrant pendant light from the 1920s; ruddy-red to amber, Venetian glass grape bunches with detailed green and pink leaves. The grapes are hanging from a green, patinated brass "vi...
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Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

'Bohemienne' Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis, circa 1890
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
'Bohemienne' An Art Nouveau bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914), depicting an elegant young woman holding a lyre with her other arm raised behind her head with robes fl...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Charles Korschann Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Nude
Located in Dallas, TX
Charles Korschann Czechoslovakian Art Nouveau Gilt-Bronze Figural Bud Vase. Cast from a model by Charles (Karl) Korschann, circa 1899, of urn form, with a handle in the form of a...
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1890s Czech Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Adrien Étienne Gaudez Figural Bronze Sculpture 'Acteon" Man Hunting with Spear
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, attributed Adrien Gaudez sculpture titled " Acteon" which in Greek is Actaeon the mythical Theban hero showing him poised to throw a spear at prey. The definition ...
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1920s French Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French Art Nouveau Pair of Large Terracotta Vases Signed F. Citti, 1900-1910
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A stunning French Art Nouveau pair of large vases with female figures of the era, signed by the Parisian Sculptor F. Citti, Paris 1900-1910. Measures: Height 19 in (48 cm) Width...
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Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Joan of Arc by Adrien Étienne Gaudez, Signed
Located in Tonbridge, Kent
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of Joan of Arc by Adrien Étienne Gaudez, Signed, 61.5 cm Description: This exceptional 19th-century bronze sculpture, titled Jeanne d’Arc portant son étendard (Joan of Arc Carrying Her Standard), is a masterful work by the renowned French sculptor Adrien Étienne Gaudez (1845-1902). Standing at an impressive 61.5 cm (24.2 inches) in height, this piece captures the heroic essence of Joan of Arc, also known as "The Maid of Orléans," in a dynamic and emotive composition. Gaudez depicts Joan of Arc in full armor, her right arm triumphantly raising a banner inscribed with intricate detailing, while her left hand gestures forward, symbolizing leadership and resolve. The flowing drapery of her skirt and the textured standard add a sense of movement, showcasing Gaudez’s meticulous attention to detail—a hallmark of his work often described as "photographic representationism." The sculpture is signed by the artist on the base, which also features a cartouche with the inscription "Jeanne d’Arc, 1894," adding historical context to this piece. Crafted during the late 19th century, a period when Joan of Arc was celebrated as a symbol of French patriotism, this sculpture reflects Gaudez’s skill in blending classical themes with the emerging Art Nouveau style. Gaudez, a pupil of François Jouffroy at the École des Beaux-Arts, was a celebrated sculptor who exhibited at the Paris Salon and won numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Exposition Universelle of 1889 and 1900. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including museums in Valence, Louviers, and Clermont-Ferrand. Condition: The sculpture is in excellent condition for its age, with a rich, dark patina that enhances its intricate details. Minor wear consistent with age and use, including slight rubbing on the banner, which remains securely attached. The base is stable, with no significant damage or repairs noted. Dimensions: - Height: 61.5 cm (24.2 inches) - Base Diameter: 15 cm (5.9 inches) Provenance: Acquired from a private French estate, this piece has been carefully preserved and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Shipping: Global shipping available. The sculpture will be professionally packaged to ensure safe delivery. Please contact us for a shipping quote tailored to your location. Why We Love It: This bronze is a rare opportunity to own a signed work by Adrien Étienne Gaudez, capturing a pivotal historical figure through the lens of 19th-century French artistry. Perfect for collectors of fine sculpture, historical art, or those seeking a statement piece for a sophisticated interior. Keywords: Adrien Étienne Gaudez, Joan of Arc sculpture...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Spelter

Maurice Bouval (French 1863 - 1916), Patinated Bronze Of An Art Nouveau Woman
Located in Germantown, MD
Maurice Bouval (French 1863 - 1916), Patinated Bronze Figure Of An Art Nouveau Woman Bronze on Marble Plinth.
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Erotic - Nude Viena Bronze Sculpture / Paperweight. Austria 1900´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Erotic - Nude Viena Bronze Sculpture / Paperweight. Austria 1900´s. Lovely woman nude paperclip or paperweight. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vinta...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italian Neoclassical 19th Century White Carrara Marble Sculpture Guglielmo Pugi
Located in Miami, FL
Important 19th century sculpture carved on white Carrara marble. The female figure is dressed in a stunning Art Nouveau costume and rests on a pyramidal-shaped pedestal. Magnificent ...
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Huge Impressive Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Lady Lamp Signed Henri Honore Ple
Located in London, GB
A superb stunning and very large Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Dore figural lamp of a lady with flora and foliage decoration and with three branch light fittings. Circa 1900. Signed Henri Ple...
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Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Agathon Léonard Bronze Sculpture, series Jeu de l’echarpe
Located in New York, NY
Agathon Leonard's Jeu de l’echarpe recalls the poses of the legendary eighteenth-century muse, Emma Hamilton. Beloved by society artists George Romney and Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun, pai...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Jugendstil Austrian Bronze Oriental Woman with Bowl Sculpture by Franz Bergmann
Located in North Miami, FL
1900s Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculpture of an oriental woman with a fruit bowl by Franz Bergmann, Austria By: Franz Bergmann Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint Techn...
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Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Sitting Kewpie or The Thinker, Silvered Bronze Car Mascot Hood Ornament, 1910´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
"Sitting Kewpie" or "The Thinker", Car Mascot Hood Ornament, 1910´s. Made of silvered bronze, mounted over a green and white mrble base. Can de used as a desk paperweight. Originally appearing in the form of magazine illustrations between 1905 and 1909, Kewpie dolls...
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Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture of a Woman Signed H. Lavasseur (RL)
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique French art nouveau bronze sculpture of the personification of night (La Nuit) (woman sitting on a moon with a star crown) by Henri Louis Levasseur (1853-1934), sig...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Sculpture "Venus de Milo" by F. Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive late 19th Century bronze study of the famous Venus de Milo sculpture of antiquity with excellent rich brown patina and good hand finished surface detail, inscribed F.Barbedienne foundry ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 95 cm Width: 28 cm Depth: 28 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1890 Materials: Bronze Foundry: F.Barbedienne SKU: 7741 ABOUT The Barbedienne Foundry is a famous 19th century bronze foundry, whose statues and art objects became rapidly very renowned. This bronze studio co-worked with other trades, and put his name to a great variety of works, such as furnishing in particular. Attending every World's Fair of its time, the Barbedienne Foundry was regularly awarded, notably at the World's Fair of 1855 where it was awarded the Great Medal of Honor. A Parisian bronze maker and caster, Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) creates a firm in 1839 in collaboration with Achille Collas, the inventor of the mechanical method to obtain copies of sculptures at a smaller scale. With this groundbreaking proceed, they facilitated an unprecedented production. Under the “Collas et Barbedienne” name, they specialized in Antiquity copies and perfected new chemical methods for the color and patina finish of their bronzes. As a true Romantic, Ferdinand Barbedienne is committed to democratization of arts, he thus realizes numerous Antiquity copies and stimulates his contemporaries’ works broadcasting. A great deal of famous sculptures are hence cast by the Barbedienne Foundry. All his life, Barbedienne co-worked with the greatest artists, sculptors or designers of his time, such as Edouard Lievre, Ferdinand Levillain, Attarge, Aizelin, Barye or Fremiet. Statues aside, he products a great deal of decorative artifacts, such as clocks, vases, mirrors, etc. Since 1855, Ferdinand Barbedienne collaborates with the famous decoration designer Louis-Constant Sévin (1821-1888). Joining the firm as a sculptor-designer, he stays loyal to it his life long, always finding more new designs for daily objects, which hence become true art works. Sevin’s creations, specialized in the “Neo-Greek” style, were particularly appreciated for antiquity reference in decorative arts, just like the great mirror preserved by the Orsay Museum. He also teams up with enamelers including Alfred Serre, and develops a set of “cloisonnés” enamels that made the headlines at the World's Fair of 1862 in London, which was the very beginning of the art of enamel’s return. In collaboration with Serre, Barbedienne realized between 1878 and 1889 the Monumental Clock in Renaissance style, decorated with enamels, which is preserved in the Paris City Hall. Venus de Milo Facts about Venus de Milo sculpture. For much of the world, the mystery of the Venus de Milo lies in her missing arms. But there’s much more to this iconic statue than a couple of absent appendages. 1. Venus de Milo‘s title is a bit misleading. It’s popularly believed that this Grecian statue depicts the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, who was often rendered half-naked. However, the Greeks would have called this deity Aphrodite. Nonetheless, the Roman-inspired Venus de Milo caught on. 2. She’s named in part for where she was discovered. On April 8, 1820, a farmer named Yorgos Kentrotas came across the statue in pieces within the ruins of an ancient city on the island of Milos (formerly known as Melos). 3. Alexandros of Antioch is credited with her creation. A sculptor of the Hellenistic period, Alexandros is believed to have carved this masterpiece between 130 and 100 BCE. The inscription on the plinth—the slab on which the statue rested—that identified him as Venus de Milo‘s creator was lost nearly 200 years ago. 4. She might not be Venus. Some have suggested the sculpture is not Aphrodite/Venus, but Amphitrite, the sea goddess who was particularly adored on Milos. Still others have proposed she’s Victory, or perhaps a prostitute. With her arms long missing, would-be context clues have been lost for centuries. A spear could have meant one thing, a spool of thread another. If she held an apple—as some reports claim—it could mean she was Aphrodite, holding the award given to her by Paris before the Trojan War began. To this day, it’s a matter of passionate debate. 5. She became a gift to the King of France. When Kentrotas called upon a French naval officer to help him unearth the spectacular sculpture, he began a chain of events that would eventually lead to the Marquis de Rivière presenting Venus de Milo to Louis XVIII. In turn, the ruler gave the statue to the Louvre, where it is on display to this very day. 6. The loss of her limbs is the fault of the French. Kentrotas did find fragments of an arm and a hand when he uncovered the statue in the ruins, but as Venus de Milo was being reassembled, those arms were discarded for having a “rougher” appearance. Modern art historians believe that the variation of finish does not mean those arms did not belong to Venus, but both the arms and the original plinth have been lost since the piece moved to Paris in 1820. 7. The original plinth was ditched on purpose. Sight unseen, early 19th century art historians decided the newly discovered Venus must have been the work of Greek artist Praxiteles, and publicized the work as such. This attribution would have placed the piece in the Classical period (5th through 4th centuries BCE), which was more respected artistically than the Hellenistic period. To save face and better promote Venus de Milo—even at the cost of misinforming the public—the plinth was removed before it was presented to the King. 8. Venus de Milo was meant to make up for a national embarrassment. During his conquests, Napoleon Bonaparte had plundered one of the finest examples of Greek sculpture, Venus de’ Medici, from Italy. In 1815, the French government returned that beloved sculpture, but in 1820, France embraced the chance to fill the hole its absence left in the French culture and national pride. As such, Venus de Milo was promoted as being even greater than Venus de’ Medici upon her Louvre debut. The ploy worked, and the piece was met with almost universal praise from artists and critics. 9. Renoir was not impressed. Perhaps the most famous of Venus de Milo‘s detractors, the celebrated Impressionist painter dismissed this delicate depiction of grace and female beauty as “a big gendarme.” 10. She went into hiding during World War II. By the autumn of 1939, war threatened to descend on Paris, so Venus de Milo along with some other priceless pieces, such as Winged Victory of Samothrace and Michelangelo’s Slaves, were whisked away for safekeeping at various châteaux in the French countryside. 11. She’s been robbed! Venus is missing more than just her arms. She was originally draped in jewellery including a bracelet, earrings and a headband. These flourishes are long lost, but the holes for fixing them to the piece remain in the marble, giving clues to the missing accessories. 12. She lost her colour. While it’s easy for today’s art admirers to think of Greek statues as white, the marble was often painted in the style of polychromy. However, no trace of the original paint scheme remains on Venus de Milo today. 13. She’s taller than most people. Even with her slight slouch, Venus de Milo stands at 6 feet 8 inches tall. 14. She could be a copy. Art historians have noted that Venus de Milo bears a striking resemblance to Aphrodite of Capua, which is a Roman era copy of a possibly late 4th century BCE bronze Greek original. That would be at least 170 years before Alexandros carved his goddess, leading some to speculate that both statues are actually replicas of an older statue...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Silvered Pewter Art Nouveau Candelabra by Achille Gamba
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Nouveau silvered Pewter Candelabra a pair Pair of Art Nouveau silvered pewter candelabra / candleholder with female figure surrounded by 6 arms for six candles (probably WMF) Ea...
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Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pewter

Austrian Erotic and Naughty Bronze "Treasure Seeker" Carl Kauba, Boy Finds Gold!
Located in Petaluma, CA
This whimsical and sexy bronze (titled Treasure Seeker) was done by the noted Austrian Sculptor of many unusual and sexy and erotic bronzes, Carl Kauba. Signed on the base, and hav...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Bust Entitled "Cendrillon" by Emmanuel Villanis
Located in London, GB
An attractive late 19th Century Art Nouveau French bronze bust exhibiting deep multi-hued patination and excellent detail. The beautiful character wearing a head dress and a loosely draped blouse representing ’Cinderella’ from the famous French opera. The bronze is signed E Villanis and titled to the fore on its integral bronze base. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 30 cm Width: 19 cm Depth: 12 cm Condition: excellent original condition Circa: 1890 Materials: Bronze Book Ref: Emmanuel Villanis by Josje Hortulanus-de Mik Page No: 35 SKU: 8773 ABOUT Villanis Cendrillon Emmanuel Villanis was an industrious man. He is believed to have created some 200 to 250 pieces. His oeuvre pre-eminently consisted of busts and full body statues...
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19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Jugendstil Bronze Sculptures of Buddha and Priestess by Franz Bergmann, Austria
Located in North Miami, FL
A set of Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculptures of Buddha and a gilt Priestess by Franz Bergmann, Austria By: Franz Bergmann, Nam Greb Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint...
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Antique Franz Bergman Bruno Zach Cold Painted Bronze Peacock with Fanned Train
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This fabulous bronze peacock was made at Franz Bergman's Vienna foundry and bears the name of sculptor Bruno Zach. The highly detailed sculpture is beautifully cast and features cold painted polychrome decoration. The peacock's crested head is turned slightly to the left and its magnificent fanned tail feathers - also known as a train - are realistically rendered and arch forward as they rise. The train has splayed feathers at both ends that rest flat on the display surface, preventing instability. The feathers have been finished with white shafts and greenish-gold vanes while the ornamental black eyespots are accented with metallic rose and copper colored paint. It should be noted that the back of the bird's train is also highly detailed lending visual interest if viewed from the front or the rear. The peacock's head and body are painted in a silvery color while the painted decoration on the head includes large white masks and black eyes that are ringed in orange. The bird's angled beak is finished in yellow and has well defined upper and lower sections. The peacock's wings are positioned parallel to its body and extend back beyond the train. The outside of each wing is accented in mottled copper and black paint while the rear portions bear a series of painted copper and black stripes. The bird's thin legs are finished in gray and have black spurs at the back. Its long toes terminate in sharp black talons. The peacock is in very good condition with no replacements or repairs. As an antique, the piece shows signs of age including minor areas of paint loss that are noted for accuracy. It stands 8" at the tallest point of the train and is 11.5" as measured across the widest points of the train. The piece is 3.25" at its deepest point. The back of the train bears a partially legible Bergman amphora-shaped foundry mark with a B at the center. It is also signed 'Zach' in cast at the underside of one section of tail feathers for sculptor Bruno Zach who had a history of collaborating with Bergman to edit and cast some of his works. The peacock weighs 3lbs 2oz. This lovely antique Vienna Bronze peacock sculpture...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Group 'Capture Of A Nymph', by Paul Helmig, Meissen Germany, Ca 1902
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite large and rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain group: Triton adorned with water lily wreath on his head, half man, half fish with scaled legs leaning against a high wave and ...
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Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Bronze of a Young Barefoot Boy W/Hands in Pockets Is Whistling, Ca. 1889
By V. Szczeblewski
Located in Petaluma, CA
This famous statue always brings a smile, as a young boy with hands in pockets is whistling and is titled "Mousse Siffleur". Nicely cast, and signed by the Polish artist Victor Szcze...
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Late 19th Century Polish Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Erotic / Nude Women Bronze Sculpture Table Bell Push, Austria, 1900´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Erotic / nude women bronze sculpture table bell push - Austria 1900´s Talk about hard to find items! This impossible to believe bell push is the only erotic bell push we have ever se...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture of Eastern Dancer by Franz Rosse(German, 1858-1900
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FRANZ ROSSE German, 1858-1900 "Orientalische Tänzerin mit Schalmei” (1888) Patinated bronze over rouge marble Signed verso "F. Rosse fec. 88" Item # 10...
Category

20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Rosenthal Porcelain Figurine of The Grape Bearer by Marcuse
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German Art Nouveau figurine. Entitled the Grape Bearer: By Rudolf Marcuse for Rosenthal Porcelain. Model no. 477. Modeled as a half-nude young woman seated on a pl...
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Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Franz Bergmann Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Figure of Snake Charmer
Located in Forney, TX
A highly coveted Franz Bergmann Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Figure of an Arab Snake Charmer on an alluring carpet of alluring colors and patt...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Glass Vase entitled "Scenic Vase" by Emile Gallé
Located in London, GB
An eye catching late 19th Century French cameo glass vase decorated with raised deep burgundy trees against a blue mountainous landscape against a variegating yellow field. Exhibitin...
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Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Bronze Musicienne Par Flora Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Beautiful musicienne par flora sculpt of Female playing the violin. Bronze on marble base signed "musicienne par flora sculpt" having beautiful patina.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Bronze Cherub After Auguste Moreau (1834-1917)
Located in Toronto, CA
A stunning sculpture of a cherub holding a cornucopia, after Auguste Moreau. French, early 20th century. At 35" high, this is a beautifully substantial bronze in excellent condition....
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Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Guglielmo PUGI Young Gipsy with Tambourine Sculpture, 1880s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Genuine tall alabaster sculpture by Guglielmo PUGI (1858-1941), Florence, Italy, 1880s. Young girl with tambourine, perhaps a gypsy. On its base. Direct carving. With base - Height...
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1880s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Bronze Figure of an Art Nouveau Young Women circa 1900
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Bronze Figure of an Art Nouveau young woman. circa 1900. Beautiful European Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture of a young woman. This beautifully made German style bronze sculpture of a yo...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Meissen Art Nouveau Porcelain Group 'Indian Haunting A Buffalo', Hoesel, Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite Large Meissen Art Nouveau Porcelain Group: Representation of a mounted warrior with a painted face, wearing only a small loincloth and moccasins on his feet, and crowned wi...
Category

1930s German Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

C. Conndray Bronze Figural Art Nouveau Sculpture Coffee Table with Glass Top
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Beautifully patinated, absolutely exquisite Art Nouveau figural bronze coffee table by C. Conndray. This coffee table is a perfect example ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Bust of a Smiling Child by Injalbert Foundry Mark Siot France 190
By Jean-Antoine Injalbert
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique bronze bust of a smiling child by Jean Antoine Injalbert. Foundry mark Siot Decauville Paris, Numbered. France 1900. Bronze, patinated. Belgian red marble base. Jean Anto...
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Early 1900s Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

"Chinoise” Sculpture by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
By Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
Located in New York, NY
"Chinoise” Sculpture by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. This sculpture, a self portrait which stylistically mixes Art Nouveau and orientalism, is among her earliest successes. This piec...
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Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Friedrich Goldscheider '1845-1897', Bust of Moor, Polychrome Terracotta, 1890
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Friedrich Goldscheider (1845 - 1897). Bust of Moor. Polychrome terracotta. Marked reserved and numbered reproduction. circa 1890.  
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pierrot Polychrome Sculpture, 1900s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pierrot under the Moon sculpture, France, ca.1900. Polychrome plaster and mirror. Pierrot sits on a stone balustrade and plays the mandolin under the moon. The moon is represented b...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Mirror, Plaster

Joseph D’Aste “Fete Au Village”
Located in Belmont, MA
Joseph d’Aste (1881-1945), Italian born sculptor who lived and worked in France. “Fete au village” (village celebration), gilt bronze on a marble base. S...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Eduardo Rossi Sea Nymph Galatea Signed Art Nouveau Bronze Figurative Sculpture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A figurative Art Nouveau "Sea Nymph Galatea" bronze table sculpture by Italian artist Eduardo Rossi (1867-1926). Etched signature on base. An elegant composition with curved lines an...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Meissen Porcelain, Franz Bergmann, Goebel Company, and Rosenthal. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $160,819 while the average work can sell for $3,499.

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