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Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Antique Sculpture Dancing Cupids in Terracotta Signed L Livi
Located in Buxton, GB
This exquisite sculpture depicts the beauty of Cupid dancing with angels, crafted by L Livi in France during the Victorian period. The terracotta material adds a touch of elegance to...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

17th Century Italian Carving of Scholar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Fantastic 19th century Alabaster Sculputure of Mother & Child By Antonio Frilli
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is beautiful and sensitively executed signed alabaster sculpture by the famous Florentine sculpture Antonio Frilli. The piece dates to the 19th c...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster

Figure, Sportsman Toper, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1751
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Probably an early prototype, the largely open base showing an apparently unique structure described by Watney as ‘a favourite primitive buttressed by a strong overall cone-shape and further strengthened by a cut-out additional layer inside the base in the manner of pastry making.’ (Freeman Collection, Forward, 1982). Toper is an old English word for a drunk. Annulet Mark. Prov: Taylor Coll, Albert Amor...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Carrara Marble Sculpture Pauline Bonaparte Venus Victrix Antonio Canova
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Carrara Marble Sculpture Pauline Bonaparte Venus Victrix Antonio Canova This is a fine marble sculpture of the semi-nude Pauline Bonaparte as ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

French Mid-19th Century Neo-Classical St. Alabaster Statue of Cupid and Psyche
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning French mid-19th century Neo-Classical st. Alabaster statue of Cupid and Psyche on its original Vert de Patricia marble pedestal. This statue is modeled after the original ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of Bacchantes in Black Basalt. Wedgwood C1860.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Perhaps the most complex work in black basalt undertaken on any scale by Wedgwood, the Bacchantes, are adapted from sculptures by Clodion. A large and impressive pair, ful of vigour ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Bust Sculpture by Gory
Located in London, GB
This elegant bust of a young woman was created by the acclaimed sculptor, Affortunato Gory (Italian, fl. 1895-1925). Affortunato Gory (also known as Fortunato Gory) studied under the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Stunning Bronze and Marble Roman Soldier on Chariot with Horses
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and meticulously detailed, it's actually mind-bogglingly well done. Notice the realistic features in the horses body and face and the incredible detail of the sol...
Category

1930s European Vintage Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Breccia Marble, Bronze

Pair Of 19th Century French Bronze Group Figures By Louis Sauvageau (1822-1874)
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine pair of 19th century bronze group figures by Louis Sauvageau (1822-1874). The patinated bronze depicts a classically clad woman, pouring water f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Cupid, Bronze, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Lost wax casting. Marble base. The god of love is distinguished from classical mythology by the quiver of arrows on its back and by the wings that are butterfly instead of feathered...
Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of Four Antique Ormolu Roundels by Mathurin Moreau
Located in London, GB
Set of four antique ormolu roundels by Mathurin Moreau French, Late 19th Century Height 3cm, diameter 44cm This set of four sculptural panels is crafted by the renowned French met...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Carrara Marble Bust of Juliette Recamier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and wonderfully executed Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble bust of young Madame Juliette Recamier. The bust is raised by a square base below the...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Carved Antique Stone Sculpture by a Student of Hugh Casson
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This weathered antique stone sculpture was reputedly carved by a student of 20th century British architect and artist, Sir Hugh Casson. It depi...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Bronze Sculpture of the Neapolitan Fisherman after the Antique
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century bronze sculpture of the Neapolitan Fisherman after the antique. In Grand tour style, the boy almost looks like he is in a stance of motion in this good quality scale,...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Large Bronze Sculpture of Vincenzo Cinque’s Abduction of Europa
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique bronze sculpture depicting the Abduction of Europa attributed to Vincenzo Cinque. The large scale and intriguing subject paired wi...
Category

Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair 19th Century French Monumental Obelisks
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair 19th Century French Monumental Obelisks. Exquisite design, must see photos.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

2 Italian Neoclassical Louis XV Bronze Cherub Sculptures Statues 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of Monumental Italian Neoclassical Cherub Putti Sculptures. Made from bronze with ebonized and gilt detail. Each raised over a classical fluted and footed column plinth with or...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Tragic Couple Antony and Cleopatra, Creamware, Ralph & Enoch Wood, circa 1780
By Ralph Wood Pottery
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Cleopatra and Mark Antony, in enamelled creamware. After a model by Ralph and Enoch Wood, and quite likely made by this important partnership. The figur...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Creamware

Gilt Bronze and White Marble Bust of a Woman by Gory
Located in London, GB
This charming sculpture of a young woman is the work of the accomplished Italian-born sculptor, Affortunato Gory (1895-1925). Gory is best-known for his sculptures of women and child...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Large Marble Sculpture of an Amorous Couple by Antonio Frilli
Located in London, GB
Large marble sculpture of an amorous couple by Antonio Frilli Italian, late 19th century Measures: Height 130cm, width 68cm, depth 46cm Thi...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Italian Marble Grand Tour Figure of Venus De Medici
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Neoclassical style Italian marble grand tour figure of Venus De Medici after the antique. This detailed statue is expertly carved showing all details of the figure, closely represe...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Marble

French Neo-Classical St. Ormolu Statue Signed Jean Antonin Carlès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French Turn of the Century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Onyx statue of Aquarius, signed Antonin Carlès, Paris 1903. This handsome statue is raised on an oval Onyx base which follows the contours of the Ormolu statue...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

7 Piece Lot Italian Carved Stone Fruit in Glass Bowl Grapes Banana Orange Apple
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a great looking set of 7 pieces of carved stone fruit with a wonderful realistic look that would make any décor colorful and classy. There are some imperfections on these pie...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone

French 19th Century Plaster Neoclassical Style Statue of a Maiden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely French 19th century plaster neoclassical st. statue of a maiden. The statue is raised on a mottled platform with concave front sides. The maiden is draped at her hips in a classical fashion. One hand holds her garment up, and the other is raised above her head. Her hair is gathered up and she wears an upper arm bracelet...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Classical Antique Bronze Statue of a Young Maiden Reading a Book
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century bronze statue of a young maiden reading a book. Signed; Paul Duboy Paul Duboy (French, 1830-1887), a bronze figure Cast in the form of a semi naked class...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Delightful Marble Sculpture Of Two Putti
Located in Southall, GB
A enchanting white marble sculpture of two childlike putti, one standing the other seated, with a floral wreath wrapped around them. And a birds nest with two eggs at their feet. Th...
Category

Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 19th-century French sculpture, crafted from white marble or a similar material, beautifully captures a young dancer or muse in a moment of graceful movement. The figur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Lost-Wax Bronze Sculpture by Théodore Rivière, Titled 'Carthage'
Located in London, GB
A lost-wax bronze sculpture by Théodore Rivière, titled 'Carthage' French, Late 19th Century Height 41cm, width 23cm, depth 18cm This superb lost...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Statue of Mercury
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statue of Mercury, possibly by F. Barbedienne. The statue is raised on i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Ecorche Marble Bust of a Man
Located in Stamford, CT
A Marble Ecorche (from the French word meaning to peal). An anatomical representation of mans muscle and bone structure. 19th century Italian marble bust.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

German Brass General Bruchner
Located in Queens, NY
German brass figure of General Bruchner standing with hand on hip on square shaped pedestal base (19th Cent)
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Statue in Alabaster and Marble Representing Helen and Paris, 20th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Statue in alabaster and marble representing an embracing couple, probably Helen and Paris. In order to create a contrast, the bodies of the figures...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster, Carrara Marble

The fountain. Polychrome terracotta. 20th century, after CARRIER-BELLEUSE
Located in Madrid, ES
The fountain. Polychrome terracotta. 20th century, following models of CARRIER-BELLEUSE, AlbertErnest (Aisne, 1824-Sèvres, 1887). The figure shows a boy, lying down and almost totally naked, with his head enhanced by a golden leaf crown. It is shown with a shell (with touches in gold), taking water from a pitcher next to it, thus recalling the allegories of the rivers or of the birth of the same of Ancient Rome. It is necessary to compare the present work with the one entitled “La Source” by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, preserved, for example, at the Art Institute of Chicago or the Portland Museum of Art (of which there are a number of variants, changing the characters and the material used). Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was a French sculptor and draftsman trained with David d'Angers and at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. He achieved international recognition from his participation in the Salon of the French Artists of 1861 (Third Medal), reaching outstanding works such as various busts of...
Category

20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Not sure if paint is original. Finely carved and unusual. From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze and Ormolu Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statues. The statues depict hunter gatherers/explorers and are each raised by an elegant octagonal and mottled base. The statue to the left depicts a handsome male...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Basalt Portrait Medallion, William of Orange, Wedgwood, circa 1785
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A self-framing portrait medallion of William of Orange. The mixed-vase mark dates this example firmly in the 1780s. Wedgwood produced a number of co...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

French 19th Century Terracotta Bust of Madame Récamier, After Jean-Antoine Houdo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Bronze Statue/Fountain of Boy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage. Nicely cast statue of boy from a beautiful Bel-Air home in California. Nice patina. Can be converted to fountain.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century French Sculpture of Diana di Gabii
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated bronze figure of Diana di Gabii, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Bronze Figures of Cherubs and Animals
Located in London, GB
Full of humour and narrative detail, this joyous set of two figural sculptures are charmingly cast in bronze to depict young boys playing with animals. One of the figures shows a boy in draped...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze statues of Bacchus and Mercury. Each wonderfully executed statue is raised on a square base decorated with u...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Sienna and Marble Obelisks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and large scale pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. Sienna and Black Belgian marble obelisks. Each obelisk is raised by a square mottled Black Belgian marble ba...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Siena Marble

Antique Neoclassical Plaster Grotesque Herm Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An early 19th century plaster grotesque herm statue in the neoclassical style circa 1820. Once used as architectural interior decoration, it has a distressed look and depicts a figur...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Silvered and Gilt Bronze Antique French Figural Sculpture of a Couple by Devaulx
Located in London, GB
Depicting a moment of tender intimacy, this antique French bronze sculpture shows a couple in a moment of calm repose. Dressed in typical Classical Roman attire, the man sits, holdin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Obelisks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. Porphyry, granite, Lapis Lazuli and ormolu obelisks. Each obelisk is raised by fine ormolu feet below the square green gra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Porphyry, Ormolu

True Pair Of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Patinated Bronze Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and very large scaled true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated Bronze statues of dancing Putti. This very dec...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italian Neoclassical Female Sculpture Statue, Small
Located in New York, NY
An Italian female resign sculpture statue in the Neoclassical design style, circa mid-20th century, 1950s, Italy. Sculpture statue is an off-white/antique white resin. A great decora...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Resin

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Marble Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble statue titled Not Wanting To Hear Love. The statue is raised by a oblong base with a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Classical Late 19th Century Marble Statue of a Reclining Nude
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century French marble statue of a classical female nude reclining on a tigers skin and bronze daybed. Signed: G Gomlags.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Basalt Portrait Medallion, Oliver Cromwell, Wedgwood, circa 1775
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A self-framing portrait medallion of Oliver Cromwell, MP: rebel, regicide, suppressor of Ireland, persecutor of Catholics, and Dictator. He was posthum...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

French 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu and Quartz Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French Turn of the Century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Quartz statue of Aquarius, signed Antonin Carlès. This handsome statue is raised on an oval Quartz...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Ormolu

Marble Sculpture of Pan With a Goat
Located in Southall, GB
A fine marble statue of the Greek God Pan with a Goat. Carved in great detail, with clear features on both the goat and Pan, right down to the Goats fur which delicately curls to the...
Category

Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu, black Porphyry and fossilized marble statues of Minerva and Hermes. Each statue is raised by a beaut...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century Italian Alabaster Classical Figures of Muses
Located in London, GB
A pair of very finely carved 19th century alabaster figures of muses, in classical dress, each standing on circular pedestals intricately carved with flowers and beading, Italian, c....
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Alabaster

Terra Cotta Bust of a Handsome Kid, Signed M.D
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Intriguing bust of a young kid made of rustic terra-cotta, great smile, innocent expression, looking forward. Beautiful object of art from any angle. Signed and dated MD 3/91 If anybody know anything about who is the artist...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Bronze Sculpture of a Child Holding an Unruly Rooster
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large and very well detailed bronze of a child bawling while struggling to hold a rooster, standing on a square base. Very well made with great verdigris patina. Suitable for outdoor...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Bow Porcelain, Wedgwood, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. 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 $195 and tops out at $228,710 while the average work can sell for $4,975.

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