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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Ira Yeager Sculpture Pierrot Clown Head on Stand
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical French pantomime pierrot head or bust sculpture mounted on a stand by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). One of several Ira created from pain...
Category
20th Century American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Concrete, Tin
"Buckskin Camaro" Glazed Ceramic Car Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Keith Simpson, who grew up in St. John Washington, a farming Community of about 600 people in eastern WA state, always makes the underdog models of cars. He says, "They are like the ...
Category
2010s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Untitled 2017 Semi-Refractory and Glazed Ceramic Sculpture by Alessandro Roma
Located in Firenze, Tuscany
Alessandro Roma (born in Milan 1977) studied at Accademia di Brera in Milan and after he was invited for a residency at Kunstlerhauser Worpsede in Germ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Carol Gentithes Glazed Ceramic Mythological Minotaur Centaur Sculpture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Picassoesque Minotaur contemporary sculpture created by Carol Gentithes of Seagrove, North Carolina. Half man, half bull sculpture has two faces and a snakes head tail.. Sculpture measures 14" by 9" by 7" and is signed Gentithes. In very good condition.
The following was taken from the Artists' website, with thanks:
Carol Gentithes grew up in the flatlands of Ohio. She graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in English Literature. From there she proceeded to work many years in the travel industry where she managed a travel agency, escorted groups to Russia, handled tourist campaigns for international destinations and so forth. In 1989 she returned to academic life, graduated from Alfred University with a B.F.A. in ceramics and met her future husband, Fred Johnston. In 1997, Carol and Fred, established Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery in Seagrove, NC. Both Carol & Fred have been artists in residence at Arrowmont School of Arts, TN and ArtLink in Tallin, Estonia. They received the NCECA 2010 International Artist Residency in Jingdezhen, China for 6 weeks at the Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute to explore ancient and contemporary Chinese porcelain...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Spectacular Greek Sphinx Sculpture Female Bronze and Forged Steel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Spectacular Greek sphinx sculpture female in bronze and forged steel.
Greek mythology Sphinx imagery Bronze Sculpture female lion bust with wings
Measures:...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Steel
"Forest Bulletside" Glazed Ceramic Car Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Keith Simpson, who grew up in St. John Washington, a farming Community of about 600 people in eastern WA state, always makes the underdog models of cars. He says, "They are like the ...
Category
2010s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Frank Meisler Rare Vintage Judaica Rabbi Praying Mechanical Sculpture 103/250
Located in Countryside, IL
Frank Meisler Rare Vintage Judaica Rabbi Praying Mechanical Sculpture 103/250
This sculpture measures: 4 wide x 5 deep x 9.75 high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...
Category
Early 2000s Israeli Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Madonna and Child Glossy Glazed Ceramic Sculpture 1940s Italy
Located in Palermo, IT
Valuable glossy glazed ceramic sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child. Crackle effect on most of the surface. Non-decipherable engraving, visible in the photo, and sticker with a ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Sculpture par Sido et François Thevenin, signée, pièce unique
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare sculpture par Sido et François thevenin en fer et acier soudé.
Pièce unique, signée datée, située
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wrought Iron
Ferdinand Parpan, well listed French sculptor. Bronze sculpture of nude woman
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ferdinand Parpan (1902-2004), a well listed French sculptor.
Unique sculpture in solid bronze of a reclining nude woman on a wooden base. Cubist style.
Mid-20th century.
Signed.
In p...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Masque africaniste par Jacques Sagan
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie masque en céramique par Jacques Sagan à Vallauris.
Inspiré des reliquaires et de la statuaire africaine du XIXeme siècle.
Les dimensions fournis ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Dancing Faun Candle holder in bronze by Patrick Laroche
By Laroche
Located in Paris, FR
Dancing faun candle holder in bronze by Patrick Laroche
Materials: Brown patinated bronze, signed and justified EA on the base.
Made in France by Patrick Laroche, Meilleur Ouvrier de...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Hematite Fiero" Glazed Ceramic Car Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Keith Simpson is always trying to make the underdog models of cars. He says, "They are like the cars that you might inherit from your grandparents if you had your sweet 16 in a 1990s...
Category
2010s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
"North Atlantic Mercury" Glazed Ceramic Car Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Keith Simpson, who grew up in St. John Washington, a farming community of about 600 people in eastern WA state, always makes the underdog models of cars. He says, "They are like the ...
Category
2010s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Wendy Saxon Brown Sculptures, Habatat Galleries, Priced Each
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Wendy Saxon Brown (American, b. 1953)
Marking(s); notes: signed
Materials: pate de verre glass
Dimensions (H, W, D): larges...
Category
20th Century American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Liuli Fine Art Chinese Glass Sculpture “Holding Up Heaven” Blue and Purple
By Lalique
Located in Palm Springs, CA
I have never had a piece of glass in the store that god has many compliments and comments as this piece. It is made by Liuli, a Fine Art glassmaker in China with collectors and museu...
Category
Early 2000s Chinese Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Polyester Resin Helmet Sculpture Titled "Osée" by Fabián Bercic, Argentina, 2020
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Polyester resin helmet sculpture titled "Osée" by Fabián Bercic. Argentina, 2020.
Exhibited in Fabián Bercic solo show "Meteora" at Calvaresi in 2021.
F...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass
Galos Design Porcelain of a Couple Driving a Car
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand painted Galos porcelain depicting a couple who are enjoying driving their sport car without hood. Black, white and silver are the predom...
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Apel.Les Fenosa, "Violoniste", Epreuve Originale en Bronze Numéroté, 1946
By Fenouil Hennon
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Apel Les Fenosa (1899-1988, Espagne/ Spain) : "Violoniste" (1946)
Epreuve originale en bronze numérotée sur 4 / Original bronze numbered on 4 editions
Epreuve en bronze à pati...
Category
1940s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Vase Polyurethane Glass Catodo Scapin
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Catodo vase, design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
The design of Catodo arises from an elegant combination of different volumes and materials....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Plastic
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Vase Polyurethane Glass Catodo Scapin
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Catodo vase, design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
The design of Catodo arises from an elegant combination of different volumes and materials....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plastic, Glass
"Star Gazers" Earthenware Sculpture
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific and evocative sculpture of two male figures with their eyes fixed on the heavens has great presence, whether displayed on a pedestal, cabinet, or on the floor.
The wor...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Alabaster Head, 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Sculpture of an abstracted head hand-carved from alabaster.
Category
20th Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Alabaster
Contemporary Carved Wood Figural Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary carved wood abstract figural sculpture.
Category
20th Century American Modern Figurative Sculptures
MAGNIFICENT STATUE "DELL'ABBONDANZA" IN TUSCAN TERRACOTTA 21th Century H. 115cm
Located in Madrid, ES
MAGNIFICENT STATUE "DELL'ABBONDANZA" IN TUSCAN TERRACOTTA 21th Century
Statue in Tuscan terracotta.
Slightly smaller than life-size.
High quality product, very well finished statue....
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Lladró the Love Explosion Couple Figurine by Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Glossy porcelain figurine designed by Jaime Hayon with a modern design of a family decorated with bright colors and golden luster. Like all the pieces in Jaime Hayon's The Fantasy co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Modernist Studio Pottery Hanging Putti Sculpture - Unsigned - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Modernist hand crafted stoneware studio pottery hanging putti sculpture - unsigned - late 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - irregula...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Curtis Jere Male and Female Abstract Sculptures
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Very rare pair of signed sculptures by Curtis Jere. First pair of these that I have personally seen for sale. Signed and dated 1992.
Category
1990s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Ceramic Sculpture Maria A and Maria B Model by Bertozzi & Casoni for Imolarte
Located in Milan, Italy
Two ceramic sculptures designed by Bertozzi & Casoni and produced by Cooperativa Ceramiche d'Imola.
Biography
Giampaolo Bertozzi, born in Borgo Tossignano in 1957, and Stefano ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Cast Bronze Sculpture by Juan Pablo Marturano, Argentina, 2018
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Cast bronze sculpture by Juan Pablo Marturano. Argentina, 2018.
Titled: "Cordillera imposible"
The sculpture was exhibited in his solo show "The mountain is not the mountain" at C...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Colbert Collins 1980s Steel Metal Brutalist Ribbon Dancers Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Colbert Collins 1980s Steel Metal Brutalist Ribbon Dancers Wall Art Sculpture. I was unable to locate the signature but we acquired additional Collins ...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Steel
21st Century Elena Salmistraro PatinaGreen Vase Polyurethane Glass Catodo Scapin
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Catodo vase, design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
The design of Catodo arises from an elegant combination of different volumes and materials....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Octopus Sculpture in Cast Bronze by Elan Atelier 'Preorder'
By Elan Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Made to Order Octopus sculpture in cast bronze by Elan Atelier. 12 to 24 weeks lead time.
Wild aquatic nature, unleashed indoors. This octopus is...
Category
2010s European Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Earthenware Sculpture by Lennart Olausson
By Lennart Olausson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Soulful earthenware sculpture of a face by Lennart Olausson. Glazed turquoise with a slight shimmer.
Lennart Olausson (born 1944) is a Swedish a...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Yellow
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Old Skull Board
Old Skull Board è una tavola da skateboard decorativa,
disponibile in due varianti colore e con un disegno intarsiato simbolo della continuità
della vita dopo la ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plywood
Hilary Clark Cole Mixed-Media Sculpture
By Hilary Clark Cole
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hilary Clark Cole (Canadian)
Mixed-media sculpture done in welded steel and bronze.
Canadian sculptor Hilary Clark Cole was born in Victoria, British Columbia, and is a graduate of...
Category
20th Century Canadian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze
21st Century Elena Salmistraro Vase Inlaid Wood Glass Ceramic Catodo Scapin
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Catodo vase, design by Elena Salmistraro, product by Scapin Collezioni
Limited Edition
The design of Catodo arises from an elegant combination of different volumes and materials. A ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Glass, Ceramic
Lladró The Lover II Figurine by Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Glossy porcelain figurine designed by Jaime Hayon with modern design and touches of gilded sheen highlighting the red color of the heart and shoes. Like all the pieces in Jaime Hayon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Opera Theatre Sculpture by Paul Day
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
‘Opera’ by celebrated British sculptor Paul Day depicts a theatre scene intricately modelled with terracotta. Signed and dated by the artist, the theatre sculpture reflects Day’s unu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Terracotta
Anton Mikhailovich LAVINSKY : Original plater of a cubist woman, C.1920
By Anton Lavinsky
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Anton Mikhailovich LAVINSKY (1893-1968) : "Cubist woman seating"
Original plaster, unique piece
Russia, circa 1925
Dimensions
Height = 27 cm
Width = 33 cm
Depth = 23 cm
Anton...
Category
1920s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
'Girl seated' One of a kind bronze sculpture
By RinDesign
Located in London, GB
Girl seated' One of a kind abstract figure sculpture hand crafted and cast in bronze in the lost wax process.
Size 28cmH x 7cmW x8cmD
One of a kind and signed.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Contemporary Carved Depiction of Galloping Horses
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary (possibly Asian) carved red stone sculpture of wild horses galloping up a hill.
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
THE SKULL "Rough Suit" hand-painted resin sculpture by Gio Pagani
By Gio Pagani
Located in Milano, IT
- THE SKULL - ROUGH SUIT
_______________________________________________
Hand-crafted from bi-component resin - Hand-airbrushed by italian craftsman.
Dimensions: 9x14x10 (w,d,h)
The...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Unique Modern Asian-Inspired Ceramic Headrest Sculpture with Removable Top
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking modern ceramic sculpture is styled after traditional Asian headrests and ritual objects. Crafted with a sculptural, curved form and intricate ridged detailing, this pie...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Reclining Lady Composite Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Reclining Lady Composite Sculpture
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Composition
Bronze Sculpture by Rob Cerneüs
Located in Asaa, DK
Bronze sculpture by Dutch sculptor Rob Cerneüs (1943-2021)
Figurine depicting a woman with flowing garments. Signature on base.
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Cast Lucite Modern Futuristic Acrylic Sculpture by Karen Brown
By Karen Brown
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Mysterious and unique cast lucite sculpture "The Things that go Through You" by New Jersey based artist, Karen Brown. A female torso is surrounded by curved orange rods, all of which...
Category
1990s American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Lucite
Pair of Wire Sculptures Depicting Waitstaff
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Contemporary black bent wire sculptures depicting a waiter holding drinks and a waiter holding champagne. (in the style of JOHN RISLEY)
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wire
"Lolita" Patinated Bronze Sculpture by Francoise Abraham
By Françoise Abraham
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This beautiful sculpture entitled "Lolita" by Francoise Abraham reflects an original and unique perspective on the human form in movement. Born in 19...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Sheryl C. Benjamin "The Family" Modern Abstract Cast Bronze Figure Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sheryl C. Benjamin (American, 1924 - 2023) "The Family" Brutalist Modern Abstract Cast Bronze Figure Sculpture on Laminated Wood Base. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 12" H x ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Lladró The Black Guest Figurine Large Model by Jaime Hayon
By Lladro, Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Black porcelain figurine created by Jaime Hayon for the collection The Guest by LLadró Atelier with a black base attached to the piece. The G...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Sculpted Stoneware Face Sculpture by James Kouretas (1947-2016)
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful hand carved stoneware face sculpture by James Kouretas (1947-2016). Sculpture has 2 holes in the back most likely for hanging on the wall or ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stoneware
Gaston Schweitzer : "Old Breton woman sitting on a rock", original plaster -1930
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Gaston SCHWEITZER (1879-1962, France) : "Breton old woman sitting on a rock"
Original plaster, unique piece, showing an old Breton (French Brittany )woman sitting down on a rock
S...
Category
1930s French Vintage Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Signed and Numbered ''Aluminum Brogue" from an Edition of 21 by Finn Stone
By Finn Stone
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Aluminum sculpture of a brogue shoe by U.K. artist Finn Stone, one from an edition of 21.
Category
2010s English Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Sculpture in iron by Antonio Del Donno Untitled, Signed
Located in Milano, IT
Sculpture by Antonio Del Donno from 1991, numbered: this is 12 out of 20: 12/20. The sculpture is entitled without title. Made with a travertine base. Under the travertine base we find the artist's signature and numbering. The entire work is made of hand wrought iron. In fact, the artist as a true Italian...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Travertine, Iron
Wendy Hendelman Black Alabaster Head Sculpture, 2019
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American sculptor Wendy Hendelman's Black Alabaster Head Sculpture on a black marble base. Hendelman’s work reflects her love of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Alabaster
Eva Petric Abstract Mixed Media Etched Artwork, Titled: Earthling #15
Located in Queens, NY
"Contemporary abstract mixed-media artwork of etched and hand colored beige organic forms in acrylic, numbered and signed by the artist. Edition: 1/1 (EVA PETRIC) Similar sculptures:...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Paint
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.