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Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Biedermeier Style

The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.

Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.

There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.

“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.

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Style: Biedermeier
Marble Portrait Busts of Male and Female 19th Century American
Located in London, GB
Two busts of male and female couple carved in marble, Biedemeier style American second half of 19th century, signed on reverse of each carved 'Dewey'. Two Portrait of a well to do c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Central American Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Siber Relief King Ludwig I. von Bayern by Ludwig Leigh
Located in Munich, DE
This miniature relief portrait of King Ludwig I. of Bavaria is made out of chased silver. I has been executed by Ludwig Leigh and is signed L.Leigh. The po...
Category

1840s German Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Portrait Bust of a Lady, Dated 1837
Located in Greding, DE
Portrait bust of a lady of the Biedermeier period. The bust was most probably modelled in plaster using the impression of the death mask. Signed on the underside: A. Auguste Schweinb...
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1830s Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Meissen Group 'Harlekin & Columbine', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Group: Dancing couple depicting the figures of Harlequin and Columbine: Dancer balancing on tiptoes in elaborate crinoline dress with low neckline, artfully ...
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Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Group of a Thalia with a Harlequin Child
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Antique Carrara Marble Portrait Bust by Auguste Moreau, 19th Century
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Capodimonte late 19th Century White Porcelain Group of Male and Female Figurines
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Antique Horse Sculpture Framed Copper Horse Head in Relief
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Medusa Low Relief by Romanelli
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  • Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
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Meissen Porcelain Figure 'Biedermeier Lady' by Paul Scheurich, 1924-1934
Located in Vienna, AT
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Meissen Figure 'Estrella' from the Russian Ballet 'Carnival' by Paul Scheurich
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain from the early 20th century. The dancer balances on her toes, turns her head to the right and hesitantly leads her right hand to her mouth while she makes a...
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figure 'Dude' by Paul Scheurich, circa 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Standing vain Biedermeier beau leaning on a pedestal presents masculine elegance from the necktie to the toes of the shoe, his chest puffed up with ruffles, his head in a heavy velvet collar, he tests his effect. The complacent dude is the opposite of the modest, shy 'Biedermeier Lady...
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figure 'Biedermeier Lady' by Paul Scheurich, circa 1920
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Dude' by Paul Scheurich, circa 1919
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Beautiful Mary Joseph Jesus Porcelain Figures Antique, German, 1860s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Bird Bath in Solid Marble
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Early 19th century handcut bird bath in sold marble. In the middle a heart with a rich garlanded and hearts around the heart in the character of German Biedermeier. Marble in a grey...
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Biedermeier figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with carrara marble, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Central America, Europe, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $1,929 and tops out at $3,943 while the average work can sell for $3,147.

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