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Modern Figurative Sculptures

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Creator: Lalique
20th Century Crystal Glass Sculpture entitled "Seated Buddha" by Lalique Glass
Located in London, GB
More than 2500 years ago, Buddha, the enlightened one, was born on the border of Nepal and Bihar. Endowed with infinite spiritual strength and a universal kindness, Buddha became awa...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Lalique Crystal Small Sculpture Of A Koi Fish
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique Crystal Sculpture of a Koi Fish. It depicts a frosted crystal bent Koi Fish over a clear round crystal base. Below the base...
Category

20th Century French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Lalique Glass Statue
Located in Palermo, IT
A beautiful crystal sculpture of a naked woman in an erotic pose, stylishly rendered. The crystal is matted while the foot is transparent.The sculpture features a frosted female nude...
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Lalique Clear Frosted Buddha
Located in Norwood, NJ
A stunning rendition of the sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. The Buddha meditates solemnly in this Fine mouth-blown and hand carved crystal sculpture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

Lalique Amber Crystal Model of a Seated "Happy Buddha"
Located in Norwood, NJ
A Lalique limited edition amber glass model of a seated 'Happy Buddha', numbered 809/888.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

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Original Lalique Paris sticker. Hand etched mark under paw: Lalique @ France with star.
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Modern figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique 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 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 Mosche Bianche, Superego Editions, Lladro, and Europa Antiques. 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 $99 and tops out at $434,607 while the average work can sell for $2,755.

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