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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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
Limited Edition Hermes Bicycle
By Hermès
Located in Red Lion, PA
Hermes "Quadrille Promenade" bicycle; style: "Le Flaneur d’Hermes"; driven transmission, hydraulic disc brakes and 8 or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub; equipped with saf...
Category
1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Ceramic sculpture female figure at the Favaro and Cecchetto bath, Italy, 1937
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Ceramic sculpture female figure at the Favaro and Cecchetto bath, Italy, 1937
This refined ceramic sculpture, created by Favaro and Cecchetto in the 1930s, represents a female figure...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Sofa sculpture bench eye Le Temoin by Man Ray for Studio Simon, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Sofa Sculpture Bench "Le Témoin" by Man Ray for Studio Simon, Italy, 1970s
Discover the fusion of art and design with the "Le Témoin" sofa sculpture, created by the renowned artist ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Faux Leather, Resin, Plywood
Carl Auböck Model #3855 'Atom' Brass Desk Clock
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3385 'Atom' Brass Wall Clock
Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese desk clock is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Iridescent Italian Art Glass Seashell Sculptures
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Please note, priced per item (7 available), beautiful vintage Murano hand blown iridescent art glass seashells. Documented to designer Flavio Poli f...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Mid-Century Traditional Bronze Hotei / "Happy Buddha" Wandering Monk Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A well cast mid-century traditional bronze "Happy Buddha" wandering monk sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures: 9"W x 6.5" D x 10" H. The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Whimsical Collection of Seven Danish Modern Viking Figures after Jacob Jensen
By Jacob Jensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool whimsical collection of seven Danish modern viking figures after Jacob Jensen, circa 1960s. The set is in good vintage condition and the vikings range in size from 3" high to 7....
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Murano White Sky Blue Italian Art Glass Pear Apple Fruit Sculpture Paperweights
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright white and sky blue Italian art glass pear / apple fruit set. They are created in the style of designers Archimede Seguso and Alfredo Barbin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
John W. Mills (1933-2023) ‘American Footballer’ Patinated Sculpture
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A patinated resin figural sculpture titled 'American Footballer' by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills.
This three-dimensional dynamic piece creates a sense of movement, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin
David Gil for Bennington Potters Man's Face Ceramic Sculpture on Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Man with the Bowler Hat" sculpture by David Gil, the founder of Bennington Potters (1960s, Bennington, VT, USA).
Features a ceramic face and derby hat with round mirrored glass eye...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cast Stone, Steel
Midcentury Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury abstract bronze sculpture.
Stunning midcentury abstract bronze sculpture. This well cast abstract bronze has great patina and is perfect for a cocktail table, console tab...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Set. of Palm Tree Form Sculpture Garnitures with Figural Trumpet Players
Located in Nashville, TN
An unusual set of sculptural palm trees with young figural trumpet players on faux rock bases on giltwood plinths .the players in elaborate Turkish orientalist costumes . Both drille...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Composition
Design Midcentury Ceramic Sculpture "Lady" by Jitka Forejtova, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1960s
- Designer: Jitka Forejtová
- Very good, original condition.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Colorful Ceramic Harlequin Figure by Otello Rosa for San Polo
By San Polo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian Vibrant Polychrome-Glazed with Gilt Face and Hands Harlequin Sculpture by Otello Rosa for San Polo, Venezia
Sculpture Bolted to a B...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large and Heavy Devil Wall Mask in Concrete, 1930s Art Deco
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Heavy vintage devil wall mask in conrete, 1960s. Beatiful Patina, little.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pino Signoretto Murano Art Glass Nude Sculpture Signed by the Artist
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Pino Signoretto Murano Art Glass Nude Sculpture Signed by the Artist As shown. Very complicated nude sculpted into a circle applied to a black glass base.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Alfredo Barbini Murano White Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Seashell Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown pink, white, gold flecks and controlled bubbles Italian art glass sculptural seashell bowl. Documented to designer Alfredo Barbini. The piece has ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Handmade White Finished Wicker & Rattan Coffee Pot
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern handmade & hand woven white finished wicker, rattan & cane sculpted coffee or tea pot with lid.
Great as toy storage container or for a coffee shop display.
All or...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1970s Modernist 3-Head Sculpture Terracotta Bronze Art
By Brancusi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Art Pottery 3-Head Abstract Sculpture
Terracotta and faux bronze patina.
15.5 h x 8 w x 6 d
No information available on maker
Preowned vintage condition unrestored.
Please ref...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Terracotta
20th Century Italian Pair of Murano Glass Japanese Farmers by Pino Signoretto
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern pair of Italian Japanese farmers with a large black hat made of hand blown clear Murano glass, designed and produced by Pino Signoretto in good conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Murano Glass
Ceramic Plate Visage Gris 'Grey Face' A.R. 206 by Pablo Picasso & Madoura, 1953
By Madoura, Pablo Picasso
Located in New York, NY
The engraved and brush painted ceramic plate, Visage Gris (Grey Face) is one the most iconic pieces created by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) at the Madoura workshop in Vallauris, France. It is said "all portraits are self portraits". In this work, we see Picasso's wistfulness, vulnerability and humor set within a beautiful image representing both the sun and the moon, the masculine and the feminine. Picasso mastery of form, image, composition and subtle color is evident in a work that resonates transcendence.
Created in 1953, Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage Gris (Grey Face), 1953 A.R. 206 is a Madoura white earthenware clay, knife engraved under partial brushed glaze with decoration in engobes (green, black, white) from the edition of 500. This work is stamped with the 'Madoura PLEIN FEU' and ‘EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the reverse. Dimensions: 12 3/8 x 15 1/8 x 1 5/8in (31.4 x 38.3 x 4.1cm). Madoura was an artisan workshop created by Georges and Suzanne Ramie which collaborated with Picasso in the fabrication and hand painting of the works.
Pablo Picasso designed 633 different ceramic editions between 1947 and 1971 at the Madoura workshop, with a number of variants and unique pieces resulting from these initial works. He began by creating simple, utilitarian objects such as plates and bowls, but later produced more complex forms, including pitchers and vases — their handles occasionally shaped to form facial features, or anatomical parts of his animal subjects.
Picasso remains one of the highest-grossing artists at auction today, and the range of his ceramics means it's possible to find both a good investment and a beautiful object. Visage Gris is among the most important.
A Short Biography follows:
Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world and to many is THE artist of the 20th century. He is famous for his role in pioneering Cubism with Georges Braque and for his melancholy Blue Period pieces. Original signed Picasso lithographs and prints are a sure investment. Madoura Picasso ceramics are highly collectible in their own right.
As one of the most influential Modern artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso is renowned as a legendary artistic master to this day. Born on October 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain, Pablo Picasso was a child prodigy who was recognized as such by his art-teacher father, who ably led him along. The small Museo de Picasso in Barcelona is devoted primarily to his early works, which include strikingly realistic renderings of casts of ancient sculpture.
Picasso was a rebel from the start and, as a teenager, began to frequent the Barcelona cafes where intellectuals gathered. He soon went to Paris, the capital of art, and soaked up the works of Edouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose sketchy style impressed him greatly. Then it was back to Spain, a return to France, and again back to Spain – all in the years 1899 to 1904.
Before he struck upon Cubism, Picasso went through a prodigious number of styles – realism, caricature, the Blue Period, and the Rose Period. These distinguished styles are apparent in the unique original works as well as Picasso ceramics, lithographs, linocuts, and etchings that he created later in his life.
The Blue Period dates from 1901 to 1904 and is characterized by a predominantly blue palette and focuses on outcasts, beggars, and prostitutes. This was when he also produced his first sculptures. The most poignant work of the style, La Vie (1903), currently located in Cleveland’s Museum of Art, was created in memory of his childhood friend, the Spanish poet Carlos Casagemas, who had committed suicide. The painting started as a self-portrait, but Picasso’s features became those of his lost friend. The composition is stilted, the space compressed, the gestures stiff, and the tones predominantly blue.
The Rose Period began around 1904 when Picasso’s palette brightened and is dominated by pinks and beiges, light blues, and roses. His subjects are saltimbanques (circus people), harlequins, and clowns, all of whom seem to be mute and strangely inactive. One of the premier works of this period is Family of Saltimbanques (1905), currently in Washington, D.C. at the National Gallery, which portrays a group of circus workers who appear alienated and incapable of communicating with each other, set in a one-dimensional space.
In 1905, Picasso went briefly to Holland, and on his return to Paris, his works took on a classical aura with large male and female figures seen frontally or in distinct profile, as in early Greek art. One of the best examples of this style is in the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, NY, La Toilette (1906). Several pieces in this new, classical style were purchased by Gertrude Stein (the art patron and writer) and her brother, Leo Stein.
With his groundbreaking 1907 painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
LARGE Chaim Gross Large Acrobat Bronze Sculpture Signed and Dated 1964
By Chaim Gross
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
LARGE Chaim Gross Large Acrobat Bronze Sculpture Signed and Dated 1964. This sculpture is number 5 of a very low edition size of six.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Female Sculpture Signed C. Noel, Belgium 1970
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice female shaped sculpture made by C. Noel, Belgium 1970. This sculpture is made of solid bronze and is very nicely made and crafted. Its signed at the bottom: 5. 500 C. Noel....
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
7 Royal Copenhagen Figurines by Carl Martin-Hansen Amager Children
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Included in this fine group:
Amager Boy in typical costume designed by Carl Martin-Hansen circa 1906 - 1925. From the Danish National Costume series by Carl Martin-Hansen. Figurine ...
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
6 Pieces Of Vintage Stone Fruit
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Six pieces of stone fruit, more than likely from Italy, including:
Green banana, 6" L, minor wear at ends
Two tone peach, wood stem, 3 1/4" x 2 1/2" W, minor dings, wear
Gourd, with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Collection of Mid-Century African Multicolored Wooden Masks
Located in Den Haag, NL
Collection of midcentury African multicolored wooden masks.
Red/brown 30cmx18cmx 12cm
Black/white 38cmx19cmx20cm
Brown 30cmx17cmx10cm
Brown/shell brass dia ...
Category
1940s African Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Yves Rhayé , "la Médisance" Bronze Sculpture circa 1960-1970
By Yves Rhayé
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Yves Rhayé, "la médisance" bronze sculpture circa 1960-1970.
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Modernist Lucite Resin Sculpture with Exploded Clock by Pierre Giraudon, 1970's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A rarely seen cube object in resin and Lucite by the French artist Pierre Giraudon. Shows an 'exploded clock' with all detailed components. A very decorative object.
In good condi...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Mid Century Modernist Abstract Bronze Female Torso Sculpture Adriana Banfi Attr
Located in Troy, MI
A bronze abstract torso sculpture attributed to Brazilian Adriana Banfi circa 1970s
Stylized organic form nude female torso in solid bronze o...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Original Hand Made Glass Sculpture, Signs of the Zodiac / Sagittarius, 1960
By Zelezny Brod
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia around 1960s.
- Hand made sculpture in town Zelezny Brod.
- One of the oldest Glass factorie worldwide like Murano.
- Rj
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Captivating Italian Murano Glass "Flame" Sculpture by Romano Donà 1990s Italy
By Romano Donà
Located in Villaverla, IT
Captivating Italian Murano Glass "Flame" Sculpture by Romano Donà (1990s)
Ignite your collection with this extraordinary Italian Venetian Murano glass "Flame" sculpture, a breathtak...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Cut Glass, Murano Glass
Solid Green Marble Apple Paperweight with Brass Stem
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid green marble with brass accent stem apple paperweight or sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3" x 3"H. #3931
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Porcelain Figurine of a Sewing Woman, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain figurine of a sewing woman in regional costume.
Made in Denmark by the Royal Copenhagen manufactory
Produced in 1974-1978.
Model number # 1314
Very good conditi...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Salviati Murano Purple Copper Ribbons Gold Italian Art Glass Ballerina Sculpture
By Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and unique, vintage Murano hand blown Italian art glass dancing ballerina sculpture with harlequin mask, hat and Zanfirico ribbons skirt. Documented to the Salviati company...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
John W. Mills (1933-2023) Large Sculpture titled ‘Preparation & Entry’
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large maquette sculpture titled 'Preparation and Entry' by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills, stood upon an integral square stepped stone base.
Part of the divers in m...
Category
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Mid Century Tole Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic vintage Italian palm tree object of art having tole leaves on a brass trunk in a classical porcelain planter with quartz stones.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Quartz, Metal, Brass
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Seashell Sculptures
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Please note, priced per item (3 available) - Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks art glass seashells. Documented to designer Flavio Poli for the Seguso Vetri d'Arte compa...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
Children Statues Figurines by Cortendorf Vintage German, 1960s
By Cortendorf
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A collection of 1960s Children figurines made by Cortendorf, Germany. A nice addition to any room. Made of Ceramic. Marked with manufactory label. Ta...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Brass Dolphin Sculpture Mid Century
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning sculpture made of brass in the form of a dancing dolphin. Quite unusual. Circe mid century. Why not own the best?
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Renato Anatra Gymnast Dancer Sculpture Murano Art Glass Signed by the Artist
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Renato Anatra Gymnast dancer sculpture Murano Art Glass Signed by the artist on the black applied base as shown.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Sculpture of Womanin Silver Foil and Gold Italy 1970s Guido Mariani
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Sculpture of Womanin Silver Foil and Gold Italy 1970s Guido Mariani
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver
Sculpture, Stone Stele Representing an Ancient Divinity, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, stone stele representing an ancient divinity, 20th century.
Sculpture of an ancient divinity, stone stele on a metal base, 20th century.
H: 69.5cm, W: 32cm, D: 15cm
Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal
Murano Pink Blue Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Victorian Dress Woman Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful large, vintage Murano handblown transparent aqua, pink, sky blue, white and gold flecks Italian art glass Victorian woman sculpture. Starting from the top, she has large twisted white top bun hairstyle. Large sky blue double collar with ruffles down the flaunsy pink and gold blouse...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
Lot of Four Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lot of Four Tiny Terracotta Garden Gnomes, Germany ca. 1950s
A whimsy set of four tiny garden gnomes made in Germany ca. 1950s probably by Heissner. They are made of terracotta and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Unique Pair of Contemporary Art Painted Fiberglass Boy Sculptures Signed
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a unique pair of contemporary art painted fiberglass boy sculptures signed… by the artist … we think “Laqi”.
These sculptures are a pair of the ‘cutest’ pieces of contemporary sculpture that we have seen for a while.
We really wish we could identify and learn more about the artist, but what we do know is that these belonged to a former artist and art and collectibles dealer in New Orleans. She treasured these and they came with her to Dallas. She was very active in the New Orleans art scene in the early 1990s.
The sculptures appear to also have a practical function as planters.
One features a boy’s denim jeans and waistcoat in a standing position and the other a boy’s denim overalls in a seated position.
Both are made of fiberglass which has been painted and textured. Exceptional detail to the outfit. Right down to the buttons and clasps and the sneakers and shoelaces.
Mottled green and black in color.
We cannot find anything quite like these anywhere!!
Specific provenance: These sculptures were acquired by Ms. Naomi Baggett in or circa 1990-1999. Originally from North Carolina, an Air Force Veteran and JAG Advocate, Ms. Baggett after her service moved to New Orleans and worked as a paralegal until setting up and operating an Art & Curiosities Store in the famous New Orleans Hotel Montleone between 1990 and 1995. Her store was called ‘Baggetelle’. It was featured in various industry magazines and hotel documentation. The store specialized in selling miniature French Quarter Houses which were used as jewelry boxes. Ms. Baggett was an artist herself and handmade and hand painted these houses along with a partner. She received orders for these miniature houses...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Fiberglass
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock
Originally designed in the late 1960s by Carl Auböck III, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese wall clock is executed...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pair of Teno Silver Sea Shell Red Stone Eye Zodiac Figures
By Aurelio Teno
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Teno Co silver and shell red stone eye Gemini and Taurus, marble base figures/ bookends.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
Magnificent Life-Size Zanolli, Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Barn Owl c1980s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Impeccably hand painted life-size barn owl figure by Zanolli, Italy from the 1980's
Has incredible presence - a terrific piece
Circa 1980's
Signed Zanolli, Italy
Height 11.5 inch, Wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Kitsch Venice Gondola Souvenir with Seashells & Pin-Up Girl, Italy 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
1950s Venice gondola souvenir. Bright wood shellac finish, adorned with seashells and a posing pin-up girl in red swim suit. All very kitsch. Marked "Mad...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Shell
Italian Ceramic Yellow Glazed Fruit in White Footed Bowl Centerpiece a Pair
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is such a wonderfully designed pair of Italian ceramic white footed bowls full of realistic fruit that have been finished in a yellow glaze, making a bright and festive pair of centerpieces or decorative accessories. The neutral white and cheery yellow will make any space or dining area more inviting and pleasant.
Each piece is about 7 inches high and 7 to 8 inches wide, some of the leaves, which seem to be acting as connecting pieces, have broken edges which I have photographed, they are hard to see and would be easy to color over.
Thanks for visiting The Moody Carpenter...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Hyllested Danish Mid-Century Art Pottery Eskimo Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A charming and uncommon Danish mid-century art pottery eskimo figure made by Hyllested Keramik and dating from around 1960. This highly collectable figure is referenced by some as re...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Brighella Monumental Murano glass figurine by Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Uccle, BE
“Brighella”, Monumental Murano glass figurine by Fulvio Bianconi.
“Lattimo” glass figurine with polychrome decoration.
Represents a slender character dressed in a costume adorned wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
VTG Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Figural Giraffe Figurine Mid Century Modern
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Cute mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze giraffe miniature figurine, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Jean de Roncourt (c.1925) ‘The Hunter’ Bronze Figure
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An eye-catching and large scale early 20th century bronze figure depicting a hunter attributed to French sculptor, Jean de Roncourt (1869-1937). Though unsigned, this sculpture is un...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Set 2 Italian Green Marble Onyx Pyramid Table Base Lella, Massimo Vignelli Style
Located in Miami, FL
Two Italian green marble and onyx Pyramid Objects attributed to Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Martinelli Luce.
The two geometric hand shaped green, white and Taupe Pyramids are Orga...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Onyx
Solid Bronze Female Torso II
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the female form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw.
Dimensions
2" width x 2.25" depth x 4.75" height.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Iconic Eiffel Tower Iron Replica Statue, Powder-Coated in Orange
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in France, this oversized wire Eiffel Tower makes an impressive statement wherever displayed. This eye-catching fragment, painted orange, certainly would be a wow factor in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Midcentury terracotta sculpture by Alessio Tasca, Italy 1960
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare terracotta figurative sculpture by Alessio Tasca, Italy 1960.
Elegant composition of several panels that creates an important panel.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
MCM Petite Red Enamel and Brass Crucifix / Cross on Base
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM petite red enamel and brass crucifix / cross on base, circa 1970s. Nice weight and detail. #2475
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Midcentury Swedish Fireplace Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna
Located in Stockholm, SE
Midcentury Swedish fireplace screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna.
Note. This screen is wall-mounted, unlike the freestanding ones. A cast...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4223 'Hand' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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.