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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
Figure of a Nun, Perhaps Heloise, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A classic example of early bow porcelain. The figure is of a Dominican Nun, and is based on a continental model, probably Meissen. Bow produced a number of apparently religious...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Figure of a Nun, Perhaps Heloise, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Figure of a Nun, Perhaps Heloise, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Figure of a Nun, Perhaps Heloise, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Pair of Itinerant Ballad Singer figures. Bow porcelain C1748
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Flemish man and wife, in the white. He wears an open coat, waistcoat, breeches and tricorn hat, and plays a hurdy-gurdy. She wears a sleeved dress, long apron and linen cap and carri...
Category

1740s English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Itinerant Ballad Singer figures. Bow porcelain C1748
Pair of Itinerant Ballad Singer figures. Bow porcelain C1748

Pair of Itinerant Ballad Singer figures. Bow porcelain C1748

Imposing 19th Century Bronze Torchere, by Coutan
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This very fine patinated bronze figural torchere modeled as a classically clad female musician holding a mandolin and a marble torch. This symbolic representation of Music, falls within Coutan’s allegorical work. We have a number of marble pedestals this Torchere would stand on. Inscribed on base: Coutan, Thiébaut Frères, Fondeurs. Jules-Félix Coutan (22 September 1848 – 23 February 1939) is considered to be one of the most gifted French sculptors and designers of the 19th and early 20th centuries Coutan studied under the renowned Pierre-Jules Cavelier at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1872; after his return to Paris he executed the fountain group France Bearing the Torch of Civilization for the Exposition Universelle (1889), one of the two prominent sculptural commissions for the Exposition grounds.[1] Later he taught at the École des Beaux-Arts from 1900, where he expressed his disdain for the researches of Rodin— fumiste—[2] and the Impressionist sculptors who followed him. Coutan was elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1905.[3] Coutan is best known in the United States for the sculptural group above the entrance to Grand Central Terminal in New York City. For Grand Central Terminal, Coutan was contracted to provide a quarter-size scale plaster model of the three-figure allegorical Transportation group, which he developed from 1911 through 1914. The carving was performed by the William Bradley & Son of Long Island City.[4] Among Coutan's students were Hippolyte Lefèbvre, Raymond...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Imposing 19th Century Bronze Torchere, by Coutan
Imposing 19th Century Bronze Torchere, by Coutan

Imposing 19th Century Bronze Torchere, by Coutan

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Ormolu Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. black Belgian marble and ormolu statues of Cleopatra and Semiramis, signed Bouret 1874. Each statue is raised by an eleg...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Ormolu Statues
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Ormolu Statues

Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble and Ormolu Statues

Seal, I Still Hope, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1760
By Derby
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A delightul porcelain seal, depicting a young lady, seated on a mound. It is painted with the motto J'ESPRE ENCORE, or I Still Hope. No doubt this was intended as a gift, to be given...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Seal, I Still Hope, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1760
Seal, I Still Hope, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1760

Seal, I Still Hope, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1760

Neoclassical Style Marble Female Bust after Joseph Chinard
By Joseph Chinard
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical style marble female bust after Joseph Chinard French, late 19th century Measures: Height 63cm, width 33cm, depth 20cm Portraying Madam...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Neoclassical Style Marble Female Bust after Joseph Chinard
Neoclassical Style Marble Female Bust after Joseph Chinard

Neoclassical Style Marble Female Bust after Joseph Chinard

Scent, or Perfume, Bottle, in Pale Blue Jasperware, Wedgwood C1790
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A scent bottle in pale blue jasperware, with original silver cap with chain, surmounted by a wonderfully wrought squirrel. Note the way the beads hav...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Scent, or Perfume, Bottle, in Pale Blue Jasperware, Wedgwood C1790
Scent, or Perfume, Bottle, in Pale Blue Jasperware, Wedgwood C1790

Scent, or Perfume, Bottle, in Pale Blue Jasperware, Wedgwood C1790

18th Century Italian Giltwood and Polychrome Saint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent condition considering age. Some losses and chips as expected with the age. From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood

18th Century Italian Giltwood and Polychrome Saint
18th Century Italian Giltwood and Polychrome Saint

18th Century Italian Giltwood and Polychrome Saint

Figure of Pointing Boy by Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1751
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Presumably based on the work of the Flemish sculptor François Duquesnoy (1597-1643), also known as Il Fiammingo. A small series of Chelsea figures from the late 1740s was also ba...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Figure of Pointing Boy by Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1751
Figure of Pointing Boy by Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1751

Figure of Pointing Boy by Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1751

Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child. We also have other bust of various subject. Feel free to call with further questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.

Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.

After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux "Woman's Face", Patinated Plaster
By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
After Jean-Baptiste CARPEAUX (1827 - 1875). "Woman's face", patinated plaster sculpture
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux "Woman's Face", Patinated Plaster
After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux "Woman's Face", Patinated Plaster

After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux "Woman's Face", Patinated Plaster

Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers 1788
Located in Dallas, TX
a beautifully modeled antique terra cotta sculpture after the bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers (French, 1788-1856) depicting Louis II of Bourbon, Prince of Condé (1621-1686), kn...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers 1788
Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers 1788

Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers 1788

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Marble Statue Of “La Baigneuse”
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely and finely sculpted Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble statue of "La Baigneuse". The statue is raised by a circular base with a terrain design and a...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Marble Statue Of “La Baigneuse”
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Marble Statue Of “La Baigneuse”

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical St. Marble Statue Of “La Baigneuse”

20th Century Marble Figure, Putto with Springs of Wheat
Located in Paris, FR
Large marble figure depicting a young boy sitting on a rock, holding some springs of wheat. Carved in white luminous marble in the late 20th century, this figure is a work of exquisi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

20th Century Marble Figure, Putto with Springs of Wheat
20th Century Marble Figure, Putto with Springs of Wheat

20th Century Marble Figure, Putto with Springs of Wheat

Mid-19th Century Neoclassical White Carrara Marble Statue of Apollo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian mid-19th century neoclassical white Carrara marble statue of Apollo signed V Livi Ejegui Carrara, 1845. The Statue is raised by an oval base with a tree truck wher...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Mid-19th Century Neoclassical White Carrara Marble Statue of Apollo
Mid-19th Century Neoclassical White Carrara Marble Statue of Apollo

Mid-19th Century Neoclassical White Carrara Marble Statue of Apollo

Jasperware Portrait Medallion, Marc Antony, Wedgwood, circa 1778
By Wedgwood
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An important early portrait medallion of Marc Antony in plain white jasper, probably predating the invention of the ‘dip’ process, which is why it i...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Jasperware Portrait Medallion, Marc Antony, Wedgwood, circa 1778
Jasperware Portrait Medallion, Marc Antony, Wedgwood, circa 1778

Jasperware Portrait Medallion, Marc Antony, Wedgwood, circa 1778

Antique Statuary White Marble Sculpture of a Youth
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid 19th century antique statuary white marble sculpture of a youth wearing a toga, possibly a young St. John the Baptist in the manner of Italian n...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Antique Statuary White Marble Sculpture of a Youth
Antique Statuary White Marble Sculpture of a Youth

Antique Statuary White Marble Sculpture of a Youth

Polychromed terracotta pair of Angels
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th Century polychromed terracotta pair of Angels. The pedestals shown in the photos are not included. Measurements: Angels figure: 69 cm (23,6...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Wood

Polychromed terracotta pair of Angels
Polychromed terracotta pair of Angels

Polychromed terracotta pair of Angels

Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Il Dottore from the Commedia dell’Arte, in the white. He stands in an histrionic pose against a tree stump and wears a high brimmed hat (presumably a black academic bonnet), long-buttoned coat over frilled cuffs, falling jabeaux, breeches, boots and a cloak; his right hand on hip, his left arm and hand raised. Slightly grey-white porcelain; even, unctuous glaze. Straw translucency. Underside wiped; air hole at centre. Square hole at rear for mount. Measure: H 6.3 in (16 cm). Provenance: Taylor Collection, from Stockspring Antiques, London, 1998. The Miss G...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752
Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752

Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A personification of Winter, from The Four Seasons. Unusually fine condition for a figure of this period.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque
Located in London, GB
Patinated bronze and parcel-gilt classical sculpture by Levêque French, Late 19th Century Height 60cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm This elegant neoclassical bronze sculpture is by the Fr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque
Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque

Marble Pan With Flute
Located in Southall, GB
Beautifully and carefully carved Marble Statue of Pan playing a flute. The features are clearly visible and well done, with Pan pursing his lips to blow into the flute. A lovely real...
Category

Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Marble Pan With Flute
Marble Pan With Flute

Marble Pan With Flute

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte statue of Athena. The statue is raised by an elegant s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
On a mound base decorated with painted floral sprigs. She wears a pale pink-mauve washed shift with iron-red sleeves and cloak, pale mauve and pink stomacher and a sprigged white shi...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758
Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758

18th Century Italian Carved Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent condition considering his age. She is very beautiful. From a significant home in Santa Barbara. Base is 9.5" x 10".
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

18th Century Italian Carved Figure
18th Century Italian Carved Figure

18th Century Italian Carved Figure

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection Of Four Mandolins, Some With Inlay Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood. Great Pieces For Art Work. Sizes Vary. Property from the Estate of Fred and Estelle Spector, Chicago, Illino...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Satinwood

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood
Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice pair of Italian carved wood Putti that hold candles. The base is 7" x 7". The wing spread is 12". From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles
Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully carved and painted. Nice patina. From a beautiful house in Santa Barbara. They do hold candles on a spike.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures
Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th century bronze statue of a neoclassical musician, seated on a gilded classical chair playing a harp.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality pair of Continental 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and Rouge Griotte marble statues, signed J. Feiffer. Each statue is raised by a fine t...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer
Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century
Located in Southall, GB
This fine pair of French, silver, allegorical tazzas are tortoiseshelled. They include detailed wreaths on the walls of the base. A finely dressed woman holds each dish proudly above...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century
Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical cast stone equestrian statue circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Cast Stone

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950
Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950

18th Century Italian Saint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara. Slight chipping in silver leaf on back side. Beautifully detailed.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver Leaf

18th Century Italian Saint
18th Century Italian Saint

18th Century Italian Saint

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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