Skip to main content

Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.

The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.

The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.

Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.

The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

to
9
46
1
24
22
1
8
4
6
3
1
1
2
2
1
6,848
4,669
2,795
888
839
691
575
504
471
422
370
243
206
172
92
88
86
76
19
18
11
8
8
29
18
38
17
11
8
3
Height
to
Width
to
47
47
47
3
2
2
2
2
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Carved Marble Bust of the Pharaoh's Daughter on Marble Base/ Pedestal, Two Piece
Located in Nashua, NH
A very rare piece of 19th C. sculpture , a carved marble bust and pedestal, " Pharaoh's Daughter", late 19th C.. by James Adams- Acton. English, born 1834. This amazingly beautiful ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Marble

English Mintons 1910 Aesthetic Movement Majolica Glazed John Henk Rooster Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Mintons, a monumental and rare Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910. A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful r...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Hand Carved Malachite Hippo
Located in Houston, TX
Beautifully carved malachite hippo. Great addition to any collection!
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Malachite

Copeland FL Miller Princess of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Copeland parian bust of the Princess of Wales sculpted by F.L. Miller for the the Crystal Palace Art Union and dated 1863. Probabl...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

James Hadley Royal Worcester Blush Ivory Farmworker Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional pair English aesthetic movement porcelain pair of figurines portraying a farmhand and his belle by renowned potter and artist James Hadley (British, 1837-1903) dated 1...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepher...
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italian Female Nude Bronze Sculpture by Vincenzo Aurisicchio from 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Bronze sculpture of a beautiful female nude, created by Vincenzo Aurisicchio in the second part of the 19th century. The bronze sculpture is in really good conditions. Ø cm 23 Ø cm...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ram's Skull Silver Plated
Located in Chicago, IL
Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century.. Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand. Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
Category

19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Measures: Height / 5.4 inches. Length / 6.7 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900. In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Original Sculpture , Double figure of a Arab on horseback & young girl Signed By
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a large Sculpture by both Barye and El Guillman cast from the original . Two signatures are visible on the base . Said to be very rare piece! Large 33" in height and 22" long...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Tall Sculptural Trompe L'Oeil Draped Handkerchief Glass Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall sculptural transparent glass vase with ruffled edges. The base of this beauty is round, with scalloped edges. The body has long rounded edges which graduate and curl outward i...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Category

1870s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Minton Hollins 6-Inch Terracotta Profile Portrait Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb antique 6-inch dust-pressed terracotta tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped) depicting a profile portrait in the aesthetic movement style. Such is this tiles beauty, that the back is equally as interesting as the front, showcasing how the portrait profile is pressed into the terracotta to bring life and shape to the relief figure at the front. Dating from the mid-late 19th century, the figure is carved with ornate Celtic style dress before a plentiful scrolling background impressed with the name ‘GAEL’ to the top. Ex British collection, this original Minton Hollins tile...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

Ceramic Madonna with Child High Relief
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4832 - Beautiful old high-relief white ceramic Madonna with child, signed Friska 1941 - Sweet smile of mother and child!  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb leather giraffe from England from the 20th century from the 50's Very nice giraffe in superb condition which has a very beautiful patina. The bl...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Leather

Pair of Terra Cotta Chinese Warrior Sculptures Qin Shi Replicas
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Replica terracotta soldiers. Date to teh 1950s era. Measures 41.5 tall x 14 wide x 11 deep.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

1900s Cold-Painted Statue of Arab
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted figure of an Arab man. Early 1900s. European. Not sure of origin. Signed by artist: "WEEGON" Some losses to the original paint. Very handsome figure.
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Takis ( Panayotis Vassilakis) Sculpture Signal Red Greece 1990 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Takis 1925 - 2019 "Signal Rouge" stamped with the artist's signature, numbered 12 (on the base) lamp on metal rod with painted base 224 × 21 × 21 cm ; 92 ⅛ x 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ in. A certifi...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Aime Jules Dalou French Gilt Bronze Figure of a Resting Worker
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French Gilt bronze figure of a resting worker by renowned sculptor Aime Jules Dalou (French, 1838-1902) and probably dating from the latter 19th century. Paris born and ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Delphin Massier Vallauris Parrot & Bamboo Large Double Vase, France, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, foot-high, French Barbotine Majolica glazed vase showing a colorful parrot sitting on a Bamboo perch. The perch rests in a grass cropping and features two bamboo shoot flower holders, circa 1875. Gorgeous color, a scarce piece. Signed Delphin Massier et Cie, Vallauris A.M. Delphin, born in 1836, was one of three brothers from the Massier family, a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. The family played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, Southern France...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
A large Majolica triple bamboo vase decorated with four birds attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Luigi Melchiorre Italian Gilded Bronze Bust of Child in Bonnet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique Italian gilded bronze sculptural bust of a young child wearing a bonnet signed by Luigi Melchiorre (1859-c.1908). The bust sits on a dr...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze by Moreau Sitting Figure of a Lady 'Student or Scholar'
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of French origin, this mid to late 19th century bronze figure was made by the prolific French bronze making artist family "Moreau". The sculpture depicts a young female student or sc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Majolica Birds on Shell Jardiniere Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Small Majolica birds on shell jardinière Massier, circa 1890.  
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

"Tiren la Primera Piedra" Bronze Sculpture by Victor Salmones, Signed & Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning bronze sculpture designed and manufactured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico by Victor Salmones. The sculpture is titled "Tiren la Primera Piedra" (throw the first stone) made i...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Takis (Panayotis Vassilakis) sculpture Signal jaune Greece 1990 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Takis 1925 - 2019 "Signal jaune" unique piece stamped with the artist's signature, numbered 12 (on the base) lamp on metal rod with painted base 234 × 21 × 21 cm ; 92 ⅛ x 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ i...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century. This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Mercury Glass

Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Chandelier or Pendant with Stylized Swan Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique and handcrafted six-light chandelier. If you are searching for an elegant and unique chandelier to, for example, complete a dining room or a large entrance then th...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space. This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Category

1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Granite

Auguste Louis Lalouette French Bronze Figure of a Young Sacristan
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and large antique bronze figure of a young Sacristan smelling an incense container by acclaimed French Sculptor August Louis Lalouette (1826-1883), believed to date from t...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th C French Gilt Bronze Model of a Resting Hand, Attributed to Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French Gilt Bronze model of a resting hand, Attributed to Barbedienne. France, Circa 1880s A unique work, realistically cast model of an ormolu of a resting hand on ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Abstract plaster sculpture by Maxime Fillon (1920-2003) France 1970s
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Abstract plaster sculpture by Maxime Fillon, French ceramist and sculptor. Circa 1970, acquired from the artist's studio. In good condition, incised signature on base.
Category

1970s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Maxime Fillon (1920-2003) zoomorphic patinated plaster sculpture
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Beautiful zoomorphic sculpture in patinated plaster by Maxime Fillon, circa 1970, from the artist's studio. In good condition, some traces of age, incised signature on base.
Category

1970s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Signed German Wooden Sculpture of a Mother And Her Child, "Muller 1943"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artistically significant hand carved sculpture of nude mother and child, completed during the Second World War.
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Life-Size Bronze "La Danse des Oeufs" by Gustave-Louis Nast
By Gustave-Louis Nast 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large French 19th century Orientalist style life-size patinated and parcel-gilt bronze sculpture of "La Danse des Oeufs" (The Dance of Golden Eggs) also known as "La Danse...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Unusual 19th Century Large Eel Form Majolica Pottery Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
European, 19th century. An incredibly unusual and interesting majolica pitcher. The water pitcher features a finely detailed Eel, with scales, eyes and a wonderful tail.
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye's and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category

Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Bronze sculpture " Golfer" on green marble base. Levan Vardosanidze. 1990s.
Located in Köln, NW
Elegant and abstract Bronze sculpture "Golfer" on a green marble base by Levan Vardosanidze, Georgia 1999. The georgian sculptor, born 1957 in Tiflis studied at the Academy there. He...
Category

1990s Baltic Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Doulton Burslem Figural Grape Stand Centerpiece
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This figural porcelain grape stand and holder is decorated with whimsical mushrooms encircling the "faux branch" to hold the grapes. It is embellished with...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Jerome Massier, Delphin Massier, Asprey & Garrard Limited, and Baccarat. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $29,850 while the average work can sell for $2,011.

Recently Viewed

View All