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Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1950s
Mid-Century Wall Resin Sculpture, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Resin Original condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Lauritz Adolph Hjorth Danish Midcentury Pottery Seated Nude Figurine
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish midcentury Danish Bornholm terracotta pottery sculpture of a nude maiden sat on a rock her arms raised by Lauritz Adolph Hjorth. The figure is glazed in white with elements...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

"Poseidon Calming the Sea, " Sculpture w/ Swimmers by Joe Brown Awarded by AAU
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Enormously important, both artistically and historically, this unique bronze depicting a monumental Poseidon figure calming the sea and making space for swimmers to complete below, w...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Midcentury African Woman Figurine by Albert Strunz for Cortendorf, 1950s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This beautiful sculpture was designed and manufactured in Germany in the 1950s by Porzellanfabrik Cortendorf Julius Griesbach in Coburg. Designer was Albert Strunz...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Saint-Michel Sculpture by Olivier Strebelle
By Olivier Strebelle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Interlocking bronze sculpture of St. Michel by Belgian artist Olivier Strebelle. It was created as an award for the Brussels Film Festival and presented to classic Hollywood film actress, Ann Miller...
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

"Seated Male Nude, " Remarkable Bronze Sculpture by Choate, Figural Artist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Although America's sculptors interested in African American life and Black subjects, including Elizabeth Catlett, Richmond Barthé, Sargent Johnson and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Archimede Seguso Murano Amber Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Dove Birds Figures
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful set of vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso amber and gold flecks art glass dove bird sculptures / figurines. Documented to designer Archimede Seguso, with original labels un...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

Erotic Bronze Sculpture by Danish Artist Ove Rasmussen, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small bronze sculpture depicting nude female. Made by the Danish artist and sculptor Ove Fritz Rasmussen, (1911-1973). It dates to the late 1940s or early 1950s. It is signed by hand...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Cast Aluminum Mounted Carousel Horse Sculpture Worlds Fair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mid century streamline design carousel horse in cast aluminum. The original paint was removed 40+ years ago and its been used as a sculptural piece of art.. Last owners claim it ca...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

"Veliero Futurista", Copper Sculpture Signed A. Di Giovanni, Italy, 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Superb and particular copper and metal sculpture entirely handmade and signed A. Di Giovanni, Italy, 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Copper, Iron

Wood Sculpture, by French Designer 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This sculpture is in solid wood. Hand carved by a french artist in the 1950's It is signed P.Leclerc.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.   
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Anatomical Models, 1950s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Vintage educational anatomical modells used in a soviet school in the 1950s-1960s. Can be used as a wall decor or displayed in a curio cabinet. ? Made out of wood and plaster. ...
Category

1950s Latvian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Small Dancing African Women Figurine by Richard Rohac, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small dancing African women figurine by Richard Rohac, Vienna, around 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Midcentury /Modern Bronze, Nude Girl w Butterfly Gold Finish, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Good size sculpture of a young girl with a butterfly in her hand. Signed and marked signature on the back side. Has a golden painted finish. Signed; Albert Pstrissp and Perdue Paris....
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

La Bertetti Torino Italian Ceramic Woman on the Rock
By Cleleia de Bertetti
Located in bari, IT
A ceramic by La Bertetti ogìf Clelia Bertetti Torino from the 1950s. Clelia Bertetti in 1932, after leaving her job at the "Lenci" ceramic factory, which lasted about 5 years and ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Midcentury Design English Anatomical Models University
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two amazing anatomical models university, circa 1950s. Measurements from left: height 30 cm, 23 cm.
Category

1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Drexel “Casa Del Sol” Table Bench by John Van Koert Vintage, 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by John Van Koert for his Casa del Sol Collection and produced by Drexel Furniture in the 1950s. This "Table/Bench" as it is referred to on the makers mark, could be used eq...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Porcelain Figure of Lady with Ball by Designer Luitpold Adam
Located in Praha, CZ
- Figure is stamped by Rossethal - Excellent condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1950s by Leopold Anzengruber African Woman Vienna Figure
Located in Brescia, IT
Pottery exotic women sculpture.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Polished Ceramic Children by Ars Pulchra, Turin, Italy
By Ars Pulchra
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy. Painted and polished ceramic children, 1950s. Ars Pulchra. Turin. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use,...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Brass Winged Bird Spirit Totem Pole Beer Bottle Opener Midcentury Cocktail Bar
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Please let me know which one you would like to purchase, listed price is for each opener. No markings but very Carl Aubock, Native Northwest, or Central American influenced. Possibly...
Category

1950s Venezuelan Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

"in the Forest, " Midcentury Églomisé Painting with Woman and Dog in Red and Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A magnificent example of midcentury reverse-painted glass, this piece by Marianna von Allesch depicts a woman and her square-jawed dog, possibly a boxer, amidst a grove of trees and ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Chinese Figurine Salt and Pepper Shaker Holder by Richard Rohac
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened Chinese water carrier with a salt pepper Horn Shaker. Designed in the 1950s by Richard Rohac in Austria. Excellent orig...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Alfredo Barbini Italian Art Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
An Alfredo Barbini Italian art glass sculpture 'Nudo a massello' black frit, fused burst gold foil, clear base with dark green layer. Mark...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

1950s Plaster Modernist Figural Three Graces Sculpture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage circa 1950s sculpture featuring a Picasso-esque version of the classical theme The Three Graces. The sculpture's medium is plaster and its measurements are 18" by 17" by 8". ...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Mid-century Masculine Wooden Sculpture Testa
Located in Weesp, NL
One of a kind beautiful mid-century masculine sculpture cut from one piece of wood. A truly gorgeous piece, a diamond in kust about any interior. The Testa will be shipped overseas i...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Metal Figurines at a France Tinplate Bar, 1950s
By Jean Pierre Pericaud
Located in Den Haag, NL
Small tinplate bar, with a bar lady, and a dandy customer in front of the bar. Drinking a cocktail together. So much details in this little scenery, 1950s.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950s Italian Wire Horse Sculpture by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bronze wire sculpture of a prancing horse on a wooden base.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Scheherazade Porcelain Statue by Volkstedt
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Porcelain statue of Scheherazade the legendary Persian queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights by Volkstedt porcelain in Thuringia...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Knabstrup Danish Midcentury Art Pottery Girl and Swan Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish vintage Danish Knabstrup Keramiek pottery sculpture of a nude maiden with a swan seated on an oval pedestal base and decorated in white glazes with...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Joseph Konzal Bust of Martha Graham
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Bust of Martha Graham made by Joseph Konzal. Created in the 1950s and comprised of a painted bronze patina on plaster mounted to a wooden base. Konzal wa...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Lauritz Adolph Hjorth Danish Midcentury Pottery Asian Figure Carrying Pots
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish midcentury Danish stoneware pottery sculpture of an Asian figure carrying two large pottery vessels with further vessels standing on th...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

1950s by Hans Schirmer German Vintage Achatit Figure Mask
By Hans Schirmer
Located in Brescia, IT
Black and gold ceramic Achatit figure mask.
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

De Rosa for San Paolo Italian Glazed Ceramic Sculpture of Female Nude
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern hand painted and glazed ceramic sculpture of a female nude with drapery, made by De Rosa for San Paolo Ceramics, for Feika Imports...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Bronze Figurative Table Sculptures by Frederic Weinberg, Each is Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare complementing bronze figurative sculptures by Frederic / Frederick Weinberg. Beautiful patina. Both are signed with F. W. on the underside of a foot.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Figural Candlestick, Delightful 1950s-Era Ceramic Sculpture with Candleholder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Graceful and quiet, this entrancing figural candlestick was designed by Lore Friedrich-Gronau for the famous Karlsruhe ceramic works in Germany in the 1950s. She was famous for her a...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Lauritz Adolph Hjorth Danish Midcentury Large Pottery Fisherman Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish midcentury Danish terracotta pottery sculpture of a fisherman sat on a rock and catching fish with a trident by Lauritz Adolph Hjorth. The figure is glazed in white with el...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Boleslaw Danikowski High Enameled Ceramic Sculpture, France, 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Boleslaw Danikowski high enameled ceramic sculpture, France, 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Richard Rohac, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra Zodiac sign by Richard Rohac, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walther Bosse for Hertha Baller Blackface Sculpture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual blackface head/sculpture by Walther Bosse for Hertha Baller, circa early 1950s.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Vintage Life-Size Brass "Entwined Cranes" Sculpture by Boris Lovet-Lorski
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage life-Size cranes sculpture designed by Boris Lovet-Lorski in Lithuania, circa 1950s. These elegant cranes intertwine at their necks and t...
Category

1950s Lithuanian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Edmont Moirignot Paris Sculpture Poseidon Neptun Trident Bronze
Located in Munich, DE
We admire a very expressive sculpture of the ancient god of all the seas, Poseidon, standing proud and confident on a wave, holding a trident in his right hand. Edmont Moirignot (Pa...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare Design Nand Made Glass Sculpture by Jarolsav Brychta, 1950s
By Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtova
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1950s - Czechoslovakia - Designed and maked by Jaroslav Brychta - Perfect intact condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Nude Sculpture Porcelain
Located in Wien, AT
Nude sculpture porcelain Original condition.
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Parpan Woman Lying Sculpture, 1953
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture signed by the artist Ferdinand Parpan in 1953. Between cubism and impressionism, glorification of woman body.
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Glider Plane Sculpture in Bronze on Onyx Rock
Located in London, GB
Stylish bronze airplane model, circa 1940s-1950s placed on onyx rock. Decorative sculpture that displays well cupboard, credenza or a desk.
Category

1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Gio Ponti Design for "Manifattura Rossi" A Bucchero Female Nude Sculpture
Located in CH
Carlo Alberto Rossi (Gubbio 1903-1970), Manifattura Rossi a Bucchero Female Sculpture after a Gio Ponti drawing, signed C. A. Rossi, circa 1940 Gio Ponti in the 1940s collaborated w...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Richard Rohac Ring Holder, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Richard Rohac ring holder, 1950s Excellent original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare example of this early McCobb design in original unaltered tobacco finish. Small remnants of original label remains. Measure: Seat H 17.5 in. / arm H 27 in.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bronze Sculpture by Pino Conte
By Pino Conte
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1950s large bronze sculpture by Italian artist Pino Conte tittle "Head Of A Girl" in wood base, signed by the artist on the bottom of the base ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Modern Artist Made Signed Crusifix, Russian, Bent Copper and Wood after Heifetz
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful modernist sculpture, artist made, signed Crusifix, Russian, bent copper and wood, Reminiscent of sculptural designs by Heifetz, amazing quality, Retains original plaque wit...
Category

1950s Russian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Leopold Anzengruber, Vienna, Made of Black-Finished Terra Cotta Pottery
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Leopold Anzengruber, Vienna. Made of black-finished terra cotta pottery, circa 1950 mod : 89.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Wooden Monk Lamp by Aldo Tura Signed Macabo Italy Midcentury
Located in Rome, IT
Not many Aldo Tura pieces can be compared to this unique lamp, hand-carved from a single piece of wood. Aldo Tura lamps were done in small editions and the detail and level of sophis...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Napkin or letter holder by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Exotic African Women Sculpture by Leopold Anzengruber, Vienna 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Exotic African women Sculpture by Leopold Anzengruber, Vienna 1950s Unfortunately there is color wear on the head ( please take a look on the a...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

1950s by Paolo Loddo Dorgali Sardinia Italian Midcentury Ceramic Figure
Located in Brescia, IT
Traditional figure, Dorgali, Sardinia _ Italy 1950s Perfect condition.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern figurative sculptures 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 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, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Archimede Seguso, Curtis Jeré, and Jihokera. 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 $40 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,200.

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